THE GREAT SUPPRESSION, by Zachary Roth

This book is a work of political non-fiction. The title reveals the purpose of the book, at a glance. Zachary Roth's bias is clear and he's obviously Democratic in his politics. This book is academic and well-researched. The author begins this book with his introduction about how we got to the condition he writes about. He spreads his message over seven chapters. There are no subheadings, only occasional bullets that separate sections. Zachary Roth ends this book with an epilogue, followed by acknowledgments of those who helped make this book happen. He ends this with end notes, split up by chapter. Finally, we encounter the book's index. Roth, born and raised in London, is a national reporter for the MSNBC, the national TV network.

THE GREAT SUPPRESSION isn't light, easy reading. Literally or emotionally. I knew the author's bias by his title, as it's normally Democrats who advocate against voter suppression. I found myself sickened at the lengths that many conservatives have gone, trying to make voting as difficult as possible for citizens. It never fails to dishearten me that this is the party that Christians and the pro-life community identify with. How has protection of the unborn become so linked with the shady practices and shoddy policies of far right conservatives, whose policies help the rich at the expense of the rest of us? And I'm angry and frustrated that this author, along with many other leading Democrats who fill leadership positions, advocate for so many of the vulnerable but have gotten so radical in their abortion stance that they want to increase PLanned Parenthood spending? All in the name of women's healthcare? So I read this book as a person who wants to support Democrats but can't stand with most of them, because of their abortion stance. But Roth is forever right in most of what he said in making his case against all conservative efforts to limit democracy and disenfranchise less advantaged groups of people. Republicans won't like this book and how it exposes so many of them as self-serving and corrupt. I can tell that this book was written before the primaries ended, as he wasn't sure who the nominees would be. I wonder what this author is thinking of the current results of this election.

I suggest that every honest conservative read this book, and get into the minds and worldview of those who think differently from them. I would suggest the same for liberals if the shoe was on the other foot. I can suggest to anyone interested in political science. But because this book isn't targeted to a broad readership, I don't think it makes sense to recommend it to many people, who would find academic books like this boring.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging For Books, in exchange for my honest review. I wasn't required to give a favorable review of this book.

More Info

Author Bio

SIMPLE PURSUIT by Various Authors

This book, a devotional, is by, for, and about young people. They seek to reach those who fall into the age range of 18-25. This devotional provides material for one full year. Louie Giglio writes the Introduction to this volume. Matt Redman writes a "declaration" that sums up the purposes that his readership should have and focus on. He also includes a "statement" which gives his thoughts about pursuing God. These devotions are arranged by each of the 365 days, not by date. Each brief devotion begins with an applicable Bible verse. Then we get the devotional itself. A brief prayer ends each one. Following the last devotion, the names of the contributing writers are provided. All the Bible verses used in this devotional are given at the end of this volume. Each of these authors falls into the age range of those they seek to reach. Other than their names, we get little information about these authors.

These devotions aren't for the faint of heart! Let me disclose that I'm not a member of the target audience for this book. The book makes clear that the authors are millennials (ages 18 to 25). They intend their devotions for their peers. So I read these devotions in this context. Thus, I found lots of challenging and convicting material. It's clearly meant to challenge young adults to live their best lives for Christ and give all they have and are to Him. This isn't comfortable reading, or meant to curl up to with your favorite drink. Like the Bible, the authors demand commitment and action in every devotion. But it was the last two sections that I found hardest, emotionally, to read. In these sections, the authors focus on our Christian responsibility to deliver the Gospel to any and all people we rub shoulders with. I found myself sighing throughout this entire section, as a shy individual who doesn't relish initiating conversations, certainly not with people I don't even know. Yet I had to mentally concede, "Amen, amen," as Jesus clearly commands that we Christians make sharing our faith central in our lives. The authors talk about the grace of God, but seem to focus on our responsibilities and performance much more. These devotions read more like brief spiritual lectures. I think that's because of the target audience, often fresh out of school. Or in higher education.

This book is for young adults, ages 18 to 25. Obviously, I recommend this volume for those who fall in this age range. This book has little to offer older adults, who usually can't relate to "the student life" of commuting to college, dorms, or lecture halls. Teens may find these devotions useful and want to use them in their quiet time. I recommend this volume for youth leaders and leaders of millennial Bible study groups. Others may find these devotions useful as long as they read it in context of the targeted audience.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through BooklookBlogger,in exchange for my honest review of this book. I wasn't required to give this book a favorable review.

THIRTY-ONE VERSES FOR THE HEART by Liz Curtis Higgs

This hardback book is attractively arranged. It has a flower photo on the front cover. Higgs begins with an introduction called Well-Versed. Then she launches into the next 31 chapters. She begins each chapter with a Bible verse. Then follow a few pages of meditations with verses laced throughout the text. She wraps up each chapter with a prayer poem. The chapters end with a tip for memorizing Scripture and a Bible verse. Higgs includes a section of steps to commit Scripture verses to memory. She follows this with a study guide for how to get into God's Word. She includes acknowledgments with a Heartfelt Thanks page, followed by notes from the Bible. Liz Curtis Higgs is the author of more than 30 books with 4.6 million copies in print, including It's Good to Be Queen, Bad Girls of the Bible, The Girl's Still Got It, and The Women of Christmas. Higgs is a seasoned professional speaker and Bible study teacher. She has traveled with Women of Faith, Extraordinary Women, and Women of Joy. She's spoken at over 1700 conferences in all 50 states in the U.S. and in 15 countries worldwide.

This book is one for the heart. I just finished it, and mean to read it far more slowly. That's the way that Higgs means it to be read, an individual verse and chapter a week. No more. For this book review, though, I felt the need to read it faster. Her writing is thoroughly conversational, as if she were encountering you, the reader, face-to-face. I liked all the verses that she chose for this book. I was surprised that she left out a verse in the New Testament, that directly addresses temptation. But I know that her other chosen verses are probably meant to be used in times of temptation. I find this book to be most encouraging. I would have liked it to include many more verses, and to be comprehensive. I hope that Higgs will author another book just like this, or will write a more comprehensive devotion, with, say, 52 verses to cover each week of an entire year. But this book is most encouraging, uplifting, and I intend to use it over and over. Hggs breaks up each verse into smaller sentences, taking them apart. This is known as homiletics. This is a skill that, I believe, all Bible teachers have to have. But all of us believers would do well to acquire this skill, in order to know how to store up Scripture in our hearts, giving us strength to live the way that God tells us to.

I recommend this book for all Christians. Period. THere's really not much to say about that. It's ideal for Christians, whatever their stage of growth. Even the newest believer can benefit from this book. However, this book may do little to challenge pastors and seasoned believers who consider themselves Bible scholars. They may not need this book, but should pass it on to other Christians who have trouble with memorizing Bible verses, getting int the Word for various reasons, or who are new to the faith. I don't recommend this book for non-Christians, as these verses are God's words only for those who have identified with Jesus and united with him by faith. This seems to be a "For Christians Only" book. Christian women are Higgs' target readers. This book is ideal for them, as even the designs of the book are feminine.

I have received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a favorable review of this book.

More Info

Author Bio

AFTER THE CHEERING STOPS by Cyndy Feasel

After the Cheering Stops is primarily a memoir. Cyndy Feasel is the writer, co-writing this book with Mike Yorkey. An NFL wife. she shares the tragic story of her athlete husband's devastating injuries from repeated concussions. She covers what this all has done to her family. Feasel was married for for 29 years to her late husband, NFL Lineman Grant Feasel. An art teacher in Dallas, Forth Worth TX, Cyndy has devoted herself to getting out the word about the long-term damage of concussions. She also raises awareness about CTE (a complication of concussions), the degenerative brain disease which killed her husband.She begins her story with an Introduction to readers. Then she spreads her memoir across 20 chapters. Dr. Daniel G. Amen closes the this book with his Afterward. Then Feasel uses her Acknowledgments to give credit to those who made her story possible, Source notes, and a Bio of the two authors.

This is a riveting book. I read it in a matter of days. It's a heartbreaking book. I found it an education about concussions in contact sports. I always know that concussions can do much damage. I'm fairly familiar with the story of Muhammad Ali, though I'm not a sports fan. And not being a sports fan, I was not familiar with Cyndy's late husband, Grant, as a sports figure; I don't follow sports celebrities or any celebrities. Cyndi's story shows just how devastating the effects of repeated concussions can be. The abuse she experienced at her husband's hand was heart-wrenching. She records how Grant slowly and imperceptibly deteriorated from a godly, loving man, to an unrecognizable shadow of himself. Sadly, I can relate to what substances can to, altering your faculties, making you into a totally different person--for ill. In my case, I was a teen, and my doctors had given me prescription drugs that interacted with each other. I exhibited many of the behaviors Cyndy reports that Grant did. And reading about Grant's tragic change after his many concussions reminded me of that. I find myself wondering how responsible God holds a person whose actions are due to brain injuries from concussions, or from prescription drugs (especially as a child). But I know that we can, as Cyndi makes clear, trust in and pray for God's mercy. And I'm heartened by her closing her book with declaring that she looks forward to seeing her husband in heaven, this time completely whole.

I highly recommend this book for all coaches of contact sports players, including basketball and soccer. This includes school coaches and professional coaches. This book comes much recommended to all parents who enroll their children in soccer or basketball or other contact sports. Parents and coaches need to place the health of their athletes and children above winning. It's fine to push athletes and children to do their best, but that can be overdone. I recommend this book for all sports fans, especially fans of contact sports. Spectator or not. They need to see that while it's fine to enjoy and follow their game, that it must not be done at all costs. Let's make sure that the story of Grant and his family don't get repeated in any sports-loving family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. I wasn't required to give a favorable review of this book.

JESUS OVER EVERYTHING by Clayton Jennings

Jesus Over Everything is a why-to book. Clayton Jennings, the author, is an evangelist, an author, and leads in this generation of Gospel preachers. He comes from a long line of many preachers. Jennings He also comes from a long line of missionaries and evangelists. He's unflinchingly bold in presenting Jesus to those without Him. He got his start as a minister in 2000. Eventually, his work grew into grew into a social media phenomenon. More than a million people follow him on Twitter, Instragram, and YouTube. Over 10,000,000 people all over the world have viewed his Gospel messages. Thousands of people travel to see him preach at his crusades and revival meetings. His mission is to share the message that salvation comes through Jesus alone.

a This book makes for rough reading. In a literary sense, this book is a fast, easy read. Jennings writes in general English. This book is grounded in Scripture, mixed with many of this author's own experiences. I found myself most convicted in the chapters that dealt at-length with boldness for Jesus. Jenning shares at-length about his testimony. I followed his life experiences. He gives specific accounts of miracles and God's power at work, so unmistakably. I would ask myself: If I want this kind of life, this adventure, would I willingly pay the price? I contemplated writing Jennings a letter about my own story. But I know that Jennings, as on-fire for Jesus as he professes, is young and unseasoned by long life experience. Also, he's a stranger. He does have a Facebook profile, which I follow. Jennings has been blessed with a wonderful childhood with a solid Christian heritage. I found myself feel convicted by the things he said about the sheer volume of things teens have said about their parents' hypocrisy. Beyond that, Jennings testifies to getting hateful emails, death threats, and even being stalked. But the way of life he shares is closer to Jesus' discipleship model than what you find in the average congregation.

I recommend this book for all. Pastors should read it, though they find that it gives them more than they can take. Are you a pastor or in some other position of church leadership? Jennings will give you principles about how to get and keep young people in your fellowship. Any CHristian should read this. Warning: This book will challenge you, convict you, and stretch you. Don't say I didn't prepare you! Non-Christians should read this book. If you know you're not saved, this author will tell you, clearly, how to call on Jesus and encounter Him. But if you want to entertained or comforted, don't bother reading this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. It is an uncorrected proof and not yet for sale. I received it in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give this book a favorable review.

More Info

Author Bio

THE DANIEL CODE by O.S. Hawkins

This newly minted devotional builds on the Bible character, Daniel. This black books sports a lovely leather-like covering on its edges and spine. Hawkins begins this book with an Introduction to the book. It describes the challenges that face us and which the the Book of Daniel applies to. This book occurs in six parts. They are meant to grab reader attention and hold it. The author covers four chapters each of the six parts. The author puts thirteen chapters under Part 4. Parts 5 and 6 have five chapters each. Put together, all these chapters equal 25. Then Hawkins provides a Conclusion, a Mission: Dignity Section, a Bibliography, and an author bio. For over 25 years, O.S. Hawkins has served pastorates. Among them are First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. He serves as President of Guidestone Financial Resources, which serves 250,000 pastors, church staff members, missionaries,and other nonprofit staffers. He has authored over 30 books. These include The Joshua Code, The Jesus Code, and The James Code. He preaches regularly at conferences, universities, business groups, and churches all over the nation.

I found this book a fast and easy read. I was able to use it in my devotions because of its strong emphasis on Scripture. Bible verses precede each chapter. Early on, the author's bias is clear. I would give this book five stars but for what I found on page 22. On that page, the author gives a couple examples of how humanism was starting the U.S. on a cultural decline, as early as 1933. This author compares the proposal of the barbaric practices of abortion and euthanasia with, guess what? He lumps these evils in with what he calls "redistribution of wealth"in the U.S.! That sentence angered me; how can pastors be so opposed to entitlements? I had a pastor who had stated, "I don't think Jesus would have supported Social Security and other entitlements." Since when have "entitlements come to be seen as a moral, Christian issue? I know that the Bible says that people who won't work shouldn't have the right to eat. But I didn't get the sense that the author was talking about that. Because of this I'm not giving this book five stars. Other than Hawkins' obvious conservative bias and failure to speak to social justice issues, I applaud this book. It'll speak powerfully to those who feel that we're in the middle of a "cultural war" and that our religious liberties are at risk. Compared to what our severely persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ suffer all around the world, our lot is pretty good. Our government is flawed because these people we vote for come from us. But our system is better than that of most people in Third World countries. Overall, the tone of this book is encouraging and aptly ends with a Gospel invitation. Good job!

I recommend this book for all those who feel "outnumbered" by our politically correct culture that values tolerance above anything else. This includes pastors and all those who identify as "conservative, Evangelical Christians." Any Christian, no matter what stage of spiritual growth, can benefit from this book. This book is great for teenagers to encourage and equip them to stand strong for Jesus amid their temptations. Those who identify as more progressive or liberal may be put off by the conservative bias of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through BookLookBloggers, in exchange to my honest review of this book. I wasn't required to give a positive review of this book.

FINDING GOD IN THE WAVES by Mike McHargue

This book is part memoir and part reflections. The author, Mike McHargue, identified as a former Christian turned atheist. His focus for this book? It's science that brought him back to faith in Christ. He uses his story to help others discover God in a scientific age. McHargue hosts and co-hosts two podcasts, Ask Science Mike and The Liturgists Podcast. Both have attracted interesting groups of Christians. The podcasts have also drawn those interested in spirituality, and the religiously unaffiliated. At conferences and churches nationwide he's in-demand. He writes for the Storyline blog and Sojourners and the Relevant magazines. Rob Bell, who runs a "megachurch," wrote the Foreward. Then McHargue covers his content over 15 chapters. He includes an Author's Note, Acknowledgments, Axioms About the Christian Faith, and Notes. The Notes cover the sources the author used for this book. He wraps all this up with an Index and an Author Bio.

I didn't quite expect what I found in this book. McHargue indeed was quite candid about his life, his experiences with and feelings about God, and his church experience. This author apparently is a lay person with a strong, lifelong interest in science. I think this book is quite touchy-feely. HcHargue writes about both the negatives and positives of his God-experiences. I certainly found it hard to swallow how he says he "rediscovered God," through being on a beach and being taken by storm by feeling God's presence. His experience, which he says causes him to cry to this day and "cannot be described," can be found on page 128. Can we call someone like this mystical? I'm quite uncomfortable with his liberal authority and alignment with Rob Bell, a megachurch preacher, whom many mainstream Christian leaders consider to be heretical in his theology. Bell questions the authority of the Bible, supports "marriage equality" and denies that hell is as horrific and final as the Bible seems to depict it as being. In this book, McHargue seems to have taken much of his theology from Rob Bell. I'm not denigrating either Rob Bell or Mike McHargue as people, but by Biblical standards, their theology is ear-tickling and harmful to the Church. This book gives readers what they want to hear, while the Bible gives us what we need to hear. We can't be true to God and to teachers like Bell or McHargue. I see them as what one local Bible teacher called "the unpaid bills of the Church." That is, the Biblically sound Church has failed people like these men. In our congregations, people sit in pews (and even in the pulpit) who may secretly harbor the doubts and fears that this author wrestled with. We should create an environment where people feel safe sharing their doubts and fears. Many people feel judged in local churches. But we dare not follow men like Rob Bell or Mike McHargue. It's like mixing oil and water. You can't do it!

Because of the questionable theology of this author and this book, I'm not comfortable recommending it to the general public. It'll give you what you want to hear but won't tell you what you need to know to be saved. I can recommend this book only for those who are sound in their faith and able to teach others, such as pastors and others in Christian leadership. They need this book to show them the doubts and fears many of their members or clients may wrestle with, and know how to better empathize with and serve those in need.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review of this book.

More Info

Author Bio

STAR STRUCK by Dr. David Bradstreet and Steve Rabay

This book is written for the layman. Bradstreet combines his scientific knowledge and expertise with Rabay's theology and expertise. Bradstreet is an award-winning professor, author, and astronomy "rock star" as he teaches students about the heavens. He serves as professor and chair of the Astronomy and Physics Department. He also is director of the David H. Bradstreet Observatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium. He's worked with NASA, the National Science Foundation and and the International Astronomical Union. He authored the Binary Maker 3.0 software program that helps astronomical researchers calculate the orbits of binary stars. Rabay is the award-winning author of more than than 40 books, including Rachel's Tears The Lessons of St. Francis. He's written 2000 articles that have appeared in The New York Times and Christianity Today. He's taught at Denver and Fuller seminaries and the US Air Force Academy. This book begins with a Foreword by Dr. Edward F. Guinan and one by Dr. Tony Compolo as endorsements for this book. Bradstreet and Rabay then arrange this book in 23 chapters. They end with an Epilogue, Acknowledgments, Notes and Sources (used for this book) and Art and Photo Credits. This book has colored photos in the middle of this book, and black and white photos interspersed throughout the book.

This book has been a pleasure to read. I wish the authors hadn't chosen Dr.Tony Compolo to do the theological Forward, for this can undermine their credibility. Many theologically sound Christian leaders view Tony Compolo as a false teacher because of his liberal theology, especially on LGBT marriage #equality." Aside from that, this book is excellent. Assisted by Rabay, Bradstreet's book is accessible to the lay person unversed in astronomy. I thoroughly enjoyed all the pictures in the book, including the black and white ones that pepper this book. In this book, I caught many glimpses of God's glory and infinite wisdom in the creation of countless stars, planets and galaxies. I found it interesting that he intimates that we shouldn't box God in regarding the actual timing of creation. The Bible does describe a six day period of creation. Yet another part of the Bible says that a day to God is "as a thousand years." So how can we prove, theologically speaking, that God made the world in a literal six day, 24 hour period? I found this book so fascinating that I requested another book review book, written about science and faith, that sounds much like this book if in another format. This book was all I expected and more.

I recommend this book for all people. I endorse it for non-Christians, especially atheists. They aren't this book's target audience but all the evidence that the authors put before the reader, combined with photos, can plant seeds in even an atheist's mind and heart. I recommend this book for new Christians so they gain a sense of the majesty of their new Father in Heaven. But Christians at any stage of spiritual development should read it and get a renewed sense of God's majesty that it's easy to lose in this hectic, fast-paced culture. I endorse this book for any Christian who is interested in getting into the field of science. This book will inspire you. Finally, this book can aid pastors in preaching on creation.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through BookLookBloggers, in exchange for an honest review of this book. I wasn't required to give a favorable review of this book.

Queen Bees Wannabes

This is a how-to books for parents of teenage girls. This is the Third Edition of this book. The topic is navigating a girl's relationships with other girls. A New York Times bestseller, Wiseman starts her book with an Introduction. She spreads her content out in 13 chapters. Each chapters starts out with a brief or longer saying from girls themselves. She includes role-play in many chapters. She provides many suggestions for parents in specific situations where their girls struggle. She ends her book with pages of Resources, a bibliography of suggested reading, Acknowledgments and an Index. Rosalind Wiseman is a teacher, thought leader, bestselling author, and media spokesperson. She is on a mission to alter the way the public perceives children's and teen's emotional and physical well-being. You can find her on the Today show, on Anderson Cooper 360 CNN and NPR affiliates all over the U.S..

This book is a challenging read. It is a long, comprehensive book about the world of girls. I wasn't surprised at how detail-oriented this book is because of the summary its description. I learned many interesting things about the complexities of girl's friendships and how they relate to each other and to boys. It was disturbing to read of the details of how and why girls and boys face intense peer pressure. This author is a teacher and she would know all about the world of teen culture. And it is a culture unto itself. As a Christian, I couldn't agree with her views that premarital sex can be responsible or safe. This book often tells parents what to do and how to do. Her target audience seems to be parents of middle-class teens and above. While Wiseman is excellent and most effective to addressing many parents' concerns, I noticed what was left out. This book has little to say to many families of teens with special needs and to low-income families. I'm thinking of the many families of teens with autism and other related disabilities. All the tips centered on verbal communication assume that teens and their parents have good communication skills. Maybe that's why she includes these role-play tips all over this book. As an outsider From my point of view and that of my daughter's, I couldn't relate to the discussion on cliques and their complexities. I'm sure other parents have different experiences and that's why Wiseman wrote this book.

The target audience of this book is clear. This book is recommended for all parents of teenage girls. As a Christian, I know it isn't a Christian book and normalizes lifestyles the Bible condemns. So Christian parents should read it with the "Jesus filter," knowing that it normalizes some things the Bible says no to. I recommend this book for youth pastors/leaders so they'll gain more understanding about the world of the girls they work with. This author has a counterpart for the world of boys, which I also recommend for youth pastors/leaders. Aside from my disagreement with some points in this book about teen sexuality because of my faith, I recommend this book for all parents and caring professionals who work with you.

I have received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review of this book.

MOMENTS WITH THE SAVIOR by Ken Gire

This book is a devotional. These devotions are based on the life of Jesus, as depicted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Ken Gire starts his devotional with an Introduction. He promptly follows it up with his unnumbered pages. Each one begins with a Bible story quoted directly from Scripture. He follows up each story with his meditations, basing them on the story just shared. A prayer follows each story and meditation. This book's structure is simple but appealing. It includes a blue ribbon that the reader can use as a bookmark. The author, Ken Gire, is the bestselling author of over twenty books. They include The Divine Embrace and Intimate Moments with the Savior.

This book is easy and fast to read. Gire makes it all that these devotions promise to be. Throughout my time reading this book for review, I have been using this book in my own private devotions. And I continue to use it. It's that good. The SCriptures each devotion are based on give me the exact words of God. Then the meditation following the Bible story provides insight on on the meaning of the verses. Also, the meditations make the Bible story real and relatable to us today. I read in each one the couching of the Bible story in modern terms. For example, in his meditation on the story in Jesus' healing of the women with internal bleeding. He illustrates her angst, shame, utter distress and ultimate desperation in seeking cures from many doctors to get her out of her misery. SHe prays and prays and feels ignored even by God. He dramatizes Jesus' compassion in restoring her dignity, health and hope by calling her forward and calling her "Daughter." Every devotional behaves like this. I plan to continue to use the devotions in my life. Also the mediations challenged me as Gire has a way of making application quite personal and specific.

I recommend this book for all people. I'd suggest it for non-Christians. In these pages they can discover Who Jesus is and what He can mean in their lives. They aren't Gire's target audience but they can benefit from sections of this book, especially the stories of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. I recommend this book for all Christians regardless of stage of spiritual development. Pastors likely won't find these devotions challenging. Small groups may want to use this book in the private devotions of members and have members discuss each chaper even though there is no discussion guide. It's great for teenagers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through BookLookBloggers.com in exchange for my honest review. I wasn't required to write a positive review of this book.

All Lives Are Sacred

Family Photo of My Baby Shower

You may have noticed that you no longer find regular posts here. Just book reviews.

There's a reason for that.

I have begun a new website a few months ago. Called AllLivesAreSacred, I have to say something upfront. The site is Christ-centered. This site is what we define as prolife. That is, all my posts stress, in some way or other, that all life is sacred. From conception to natural death. What does this mean? That abortion and euthanasia aren't morally acceptable. Yet this website seeks to inform the public, especially those facing crisis situations, of alternatives to abortions. These are options that, while not ideal, are a vast improvement over abortion as no one is killed. Also, I'm seeking support to legislate for a third option to replace abortion. If you want to debate abortion's merits or ask questions about it, I have set up a forum for you to question and debate (respectfully and without profanity). Been affected by abortion? Faced an unplanned pregnancy? Have a loved one who has faced an unplanned pregnancy? Have you been adopted? Adopted children yourself? Placed a child for adoption? Had an abortion and worked through it? Are you yourself been conceived in an unplanned pregnancy and worked through it? Then you can draft your story right on the "Share Your Prolife Stories" webpage. You can submit it anonymously. Also, I'm hosting something of a giveaway of of mostly Christ-centered books, newsletters, CD's and more. All freebies.

Looking forward to seeing you there! Whether you agree with my worldview or not.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE by Dena Yohe

This is a advice book which uses the author's personal experiences. Dena Yohe spreads this book throughout 15 chapters. She begins each chapter with a wise or relevant quotes. She follos her final chapter with an Afterward, an appeal to her target readers. Yohe includes a section called For Those Who Want to Help Someone Else, which gives suggestions on how to help parents of troubled teens. If the Unthinkable Happens includes encouragement and comfort for those who have lost a child to self-destructive choices. Yohe includes a Chair Exercise meant to help her targeted readers to draw nearer to God in their need. More Help for Specific Worries includes references to help for her readers. She includes many pages of Suggested Reading and Acknowledgements of those who made this book possible. She includes a Tribute to a Young Man and wraps it all up with Notes from sources used for this book. Dena Yohe has been a social worker, pastor's wife and Cru staff member. Her daughter, who was once deeply troubled and self-destructive, inspired the nonprofit To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA). The author's daughter was portrayed in a 2015 Sony Pictures release.

I read this book quickly. Because of the way Yohe writes, I knew how her situation with her daughter would end up. For years, I've been aware of the nonprofit To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA. I knew of it because of the people I "friended" on Facebook. However, I never knew that the author of You're Never Aloneis the Founder of that nonprofit. Even more, it was news that her daughter inspired TWLOHA. Yohe writes in such a way that you care for her, her family and especially for her one-troubled daughter, Renee. Renee writes her own short columns that her mom inserts in this book. They give a good view of things from a teen's perspective. One thing I couldn't understand is why Renee's doctor diagnosed her with Sensory Integration Disorder (SID). With all the misery and hell that this family had endured, I can understand why they wanted to put a label on suffering tha made no sense to them. Reason for my perplexity? To me, its seems that SPD can't explain much of Renee's past self-destructive behavors. What did they have to do with sensory integration? But a doctor gave Renee this diagnosis and he must know. Also, I feel thankful that as a parent, so far, that my family and I have been spared the heatbreak of the author and of so many other parents of troubled youth. I was moved by her strong and enduring faith in and intimacy with God. This book makes me wonder how many families are facing similar situations with their young people, that this author faced.

This book clearly targets one audience. That's the parents of young people and especially troubled youth. Non-Christian, agnostic and atheist parents may dislike the clearly Christian content in this book even as they welcome its compassionate, caring counsel and the author's candid sharing of her own experiences. But this book may plant seeds in their hearts where they may consider God. Hurting Christian parents, especially in our Western culture with our "church is a museum for saints" culture, will find this book tremendously comforting and encouraging. They'll also find it full of of resources for further help. I recommend this book for every pastor to equip them to counsel troubled youth and their parents. I also recommend this book for youth ministers and other caring professionals who work with young people.

I received a compliementary copy of this book through BloggingForBooks in exchange for an honest review of this book. I wasn't asked to give this book a favorable review.

More Info

Author Bio

THE WEDDING SHOP, by Rachel Hauck

This is a novel, a work of Christian fiction. THE WEDDING SHOP is a series book and continues in a book called THE WEDDING CHAPEL, also by Rachel Hauck. THE WEDDING SHOP begins with a Prologue, which introduces the reader to this bookand gives a feel for it. This book spreads out over 33 chapters. It ends with Discussion Questions about the book, followed by Acknowledgments. This book ends with the first chapter the the sequel which continues THE WEDDING SHOP, THE WEDDING CHAPEL. Each chapter in this book is written in the point of view of various character in the novel. Many chapters are given fictionalized months and years, or names of settings. Rachel Hauck's book THE WEDDING SHOP, was named as bestseller by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. This book was also named as Inspirational Novel of the Year by The Romantic Times. It also was a RITA finalist.

I read through this book quickly. I found it to be well-written and interesting. I liked it better than a former novel that I had recently reviewed but that's just me. I didn't get drawn into this book until the 5th or 6th chapter of this book. That's still near the beginning of this book. The author goes back and forth in time because she ties two lead characters together. Separated by time, the author shows how our lives can be intertwined. I can't say how true to life the twists and turns of their lives turned out being. Of course, the author sees to it that most of her main characters experience positive outcomes. I expected that. The author shows us that the main characters were on spiritual journeys. I saw their lessons and awakenings. Yet she doesn't get heavily into theology and I can't see how her style can be viewed as "preachy." I enjoyed the suspense of wondering how things would turn out with the main characters. I must admit that a couple of times, I peeked ahead in this book to get clues about the outcome. This novel includes romance and relationshis without getting syrupy. By syrupy, I mean overly-sentimental. I would mentally cheer or curse character throughout this book, especially during dramatic scenes. I had to remind myself that this is all fiction. So this book has impact.

This is Christian fiction. But as entertaining and edifying as Christian fiction is, Christians need to remember some things. Christian fiction should never become our primary spiritual food. WE're to reserve this for the Bible and books baased on Scripture. Christian fiction, because of idealistic outcomes, can make us discontented with our lives, marriages, congregations, and friendships. But I recommend this book for non-Christians who enjoy reading romances. In reading this book, they'll find more than entertainment. The hope is that as events unfold, God will draw non-Christian readers to Himself. If this is the author's purpose in writing this book, she does a great job.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. I wasn't required to give a positive review of this book.

ONE OF THE FEW by Jason B. Ladd

Jason B. Ladd is a Marine who grew up in a military family. He spent many years as an agnostic/atheist. Now he's a followers of Jesus and specializes in apologetics. His book, ONE OF THE FEW, is part memoir and part apologetics. Ladd starts out his book with a Foreword. The Prologue gives readers the favor of this book and sets the tone for the book. Part One gives the account of Ladd's post. He includes the first eleven chapters in this segment. Ladd continues with Part Two. He continus this section with chapters 12 to 20. Ladd finshes with Part Three. Part Three includes chapters 21 to 27. Each chapter begins with quotes. Each chapter ends with notes. Ladd follows his claters with an Epilogue. He includes Acknowledgements of those who made his book possible. He includes an extended Bibliography and wraps it all up with an Index.

This book isn't light reading. It wasn't meant to be. As I read it online, I had to mark down chapters and secitions as I read them. This book is fairly fast reading. It was what I expected: deep, intellectual, and military. I didn't count on his use of his military experiences as metaphors for what our walks with Christ ought to be. But as the Bible makes it clear that following Jesus is a battleground, I wasn't too surprised. Our foes to battle are sin (our sin natures), the world (the world system and its values), and the devil (he is personal and real). Ladd's theology is, in most aspects, sound. In this book, he stresses God's holiness AND love, His grace AND His justice, His goodness AND His severity. I did take offense at one argument he made concerning the unreached peoples in this world, outside the West (for the most part). Ladd advanced the argument that God knew, ahead of time, who would accept the Gospel and who wouldn't. He asserts that these peoples have never heard the Gospel because God knew that they would reject it. This is how I read what he wrote. He himself wrote that his comment would sound cold and callous. More than that, it condradicts God's expressed desire that none perish but that all come to the knowledge of the truth. I know that the question of "those who have never heard" is a tough argument and that Ladd is trying to address it. For the most part, his theology is sound. It did seem to me that he could have made some of the good points he did, with fewer words. His stats on porn in the Church are sobering but I wasn't surprised. I already have researched this topic. This book is very informative.

I recommend this book for all pastors. The porn stats alone are worth their reading this book. This book is for anyone with an interest in apologetics as Ladd writies this book as an apologist for the Gospel. This book is especially well-suited for military people and their families. Veterans and those who want to get into the military, would also benefit much from this book. It speaks in their language, interest and experience. Atheists and agnostics would do well to read this book. If anything, it would plant seeds in their hearts. This book isn't for those who prefer light reading or who don't read for pleasure.

I received a complimentary ebook copy in .pdf format, directly from the author, in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't asked to give a positive review of this book.

REALLY BAD GIRLS OF THE BIBLE by Liz Curtis Higgs

This is a Bible study book that uses different Bible characters. Liz Curtis Higgs has written many of such books already. They have sold millions of copies, with over 4.6 million copies in print. She uses humor, research and personal experience, to communicate God's grace through her writing. She's also an award-winning speaker. As a long-time professional speaker, Higgs has traveled with Women of Faith, Women of Joy and Extraordinary Women. She has spoken for 1700 other women's conferences . This has taken her to all 50 states of the United States. She has also traveled to 14 foreign countries, including Thailand, Portugal, South Africa, and New Zealand. This book is arranged in eight chapters. She ends the book with a conclusion and Spoken Word, a Gospel invitation to salvation. Then she includes questions for book clubs, general questions about issues in the book. Then she includes the Study Guide for Bible study groups. This book ends with author acknowledgements. Higgs wraps all up with notes for each chapter, citing all the sources she used for each of the chapters.

This book is all that I expected. I have read a number of Higg's other books. I spent a few weeks, recently, in a Bible study featuring one of her books. I expected this book to be fast-paced, novel-style reading. It is. When Higgs features Bible character, she'll first start with a modern counterpart of the character. This is to send the message that the Bible isn't just an ancient, outdated book. It bears relevance just as today's news does. Higgs uses humor annd wit to communicate Divine truths. She inserts Bible verses only after making her arguments. I finished this book in a matter of days. She stresses God's grace over and above God's holiness and Divine wrath. But she uses her humor and wit to integrate the Law into her writing. Through this she keeps the reader aware of his or her sinfulness and total dependence on God's grace. Some pastors and Christian leaders may acuse her of of a one-sided portrayal of a gracious, loving, forgiving God. TBut Higgs does an excellent job of communicating God's grace to readers who need it. And we all do need it!This book is also an excellent corrective if you're tempted to self-righteousness toward those seen as "the dregs of society." No person is too hopeless for God. On the other hand no one is too good to have to depend on God's grace. It's clear that this author did her research for this book. Despit all the celebration of God's love and grace, this book can be quite convicting. I found each chaper just about equally convicting, in its own way.

I recommend this book for just about anyone. Each chaper points the reader to Jesus. The entertaining style of the writing will hold their interest. And they should make it to the end of the book where an appeal to embrace Jesus is made. For roughly the same reasons, new CHristians whill find this book helpful. It gives them the principles they need to get grounded in the Christian faith. Maturing and mature Christians will find this book a blessing. They'll be continually reminded that we'll always need to depend on God's grace. We don't ever outgrow our need for that! This book features women of the Bible. But pastors may want to use in book in leading Bible studies. This book is designed for book clubs and Bible studes. So book clubs and Bible studies ma find this book a major help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via BloggingForBooks in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review of this book.

More Info

Author Bio

OUTLAW CHRISTIAN by Jacqueline A Bussie

This is a nonfiction Christian book. Bussie starts out with her definition of the eye-catching title of this book. She arranges this book over six chapters. She starts the beginning of each chapter with a relevant Bable verse, saying or poem. She ends these chapters with a long Bibliography. Then she provides pages of notes for each chapter, giving the sources she used. She wraps this up with Acknowledgments of those who made this book possible and with her author bio. Jacqueline Bussie is Director of the Forum on Faith and Life and professor of religion at Concordia College in Moorehead, Minnesota. She is also an author and theologian. Her first book, The Laughter of the Oppressed (2007) won the Trinity Prize. An active leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Bussie teaches religion and theology at Concordia College in in Moorehead, Minnesota.

This book is much what I expected. This author grew up in the same tradition I did, in the conservative Lutheran CHurch. Then she became part of the more liberal Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). By liberal I mean theologically liberal. This is where people take more liberties with interpreting the Bible as they see fit. As I read through this book, I found that, again, we indeed can learn from each other! I feel uncomfortable with the author one referring to God as She. I was nervous with her statements of God's limited power. She tried to get around this by saying that GOd isn't all-powerful in the way we traditionally define the word. But there is much we can learn from this book. In everything else but the concerns raised, I agree with this author. We put on an act in the Christian community. That's because we see worship services as "museums for saints." She raises valid points about building authentic community, relating to each other and living lives of love and grace. This book, however, seems aimed toward the middle-class and affluent who so often populate our congregations. But she does a great job at making the case for modeling Christ's love to those we may see as the "other." "Outlaw Christian" refers to being willing to depart from human tradition to follow Jesus. The term is obviously meant to grab your attention.

Who do I recommend this book for? I recommend this book for pastors but only so they see gain understanding on how members may see things. Pastors can disagree with ponits of Bussie's theology and not use this book for any theological purposes. They should use the book to gain insight on how to relate the their parishioners. I don't recommend this book for non-Christians or new Christians. The watered-down theology and singular focus on God's love and grace will confuse them. We are to ponder God's goodness and severity TOGETHER, always. This book, like so many others, doesn't do that. I recommend this book for those in Christian leadership. They may gain insight about those they lead, without counting on this book's theology.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review of this book.

TASTE AND SEE by John Piper

This is a book of 125 daily meditations. It's an updated version of this book, originally published in 1999. Piper starts out the book with a Preface. He follows this with Acknowledgements. What follows are those 125 devotions/meditations. Each meditation begins with the title and a tagline. Some of the meditations also start out with short poems. Piper wraps up the devotions/meditations with a description of his website and the link. This is followed by a subject index and an index of people mentioned in this book. Piper wraps this all up with an index of Scripture verses used in this book. Piper is the founder/teacher of DesiringGod.org. He's the Chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary. For 33 years, Piper has served as the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis. More than 30 years of his books and articles are available, free of charge, at DesiringGod.org. Piper has written over 50 books, including the classic Desiring God.

I just finished reading this book. I have read many of Pastor John Piper's books. I have visited his DesiringGod.org website. So I found this book everything that I expected it to be. His books are rich in theology, and this book is also. HIs books are based solidly on the Bible, and so is this one. God is front and centers in all Piper works. He's also front and center in Taste and See. I expected the book to mention a lot about social issues because of the book description. He did mention them, but not as much as the online description indicared. Maybe this is just me. This isn't a book to curl up with and unwind to. It's designed to make readers think. A hardback book, this one has good binding. Being a long, comprehensive book, this isn't fast reading. IT isn't meant to be. Meditations take time and shouldn't be rushecc through. I found them exciting and inspiring.

Who do I recommend this book for? I recommend it to serious Christians. This covers those who are committed to following Jesus. This covers those who want to know God better. This covers those who like to study theology. Pastors can benefit from this book in their own walks with God. New believers and immature believers won't like this book. The strong stress on doctrine and missions may bore them. The target audience of this book are serious followers of Jesus. So this book holds nothing for those outside the Christian faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review. I wasn't required to give a positive review of this book.

More Info

Author Bio

TODAY's MOMENT OF TRUTH by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg

This is a book of devotions. They're undated. Strobel and Mittelberg start out with an Introduction. The Intro lets the reader know what kind of devotions these are. He has written 360 devotions. Each devotion begins with a Bible verse. The body of the devotion is no more than two pages. Each devotion ends with a Truth for Today. This is meant to encourage the reader to apply the principles in the devotion. Strobel and Mittelberg end this devotional with pages of endnotes and a Bibiography. He wraps it all up with an author bio. Strobel is a follower of Jesus from an atheist background. Strobel has written many books on apologetics. The Case for Christ and A Case for Faith are only a few of Strobel's works. Strobel serves as the professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University. Mittelberg is also a bestselling author, speaker and leading outreach strategist. He serves as the Executive Director the Center for American Evangelism. This is in partnership with Houston Baptist University. Confident Faith and The Reason Why: Faith Makes Sense are two of his works.

This book is what I expected. Apologetics. I have known of Lee Strobel as an apologetics author for many years. So his apologetics devotions come as no surprise. I found myself reading them every chance I got. I used them in my own quiet time, even as I reviewed them I found the devotions interesting. Most devotionals focus on the heart and emotions. Strobel's devotions appeal to my them. I like the fast reading, as these devotions are short. I found them easy to read also.Strobel shares about his frequent face-to-face evangelism encounters. As face-to-face social interaction is my greatest weakness, I found these anecdotes convicting. He shares about how his evangelism has successfully won people to Jesus. All of Strobel's books are valuable in removing barriers that keep people from Christ. These devotions do the same thing. I'm not sure what the role of his co-writer, Mark Mittelberg, is. Strobel quotes his co-writer and some of his writings. Good book.

I recommend this book for all Christians. It seems geared to all stages of spiritual growth. I recommend this book for pastors. These devotions may seem too simple for them. Yet they will equip pastors to contend for the faith and hone their own apologetics skills. I recommend this book for questioning non-believers. This book is directly addressed to a Christian audience. Yet the many indirect anecdotes may speak to non-believers about their situations.

I received a complimentary copy of this book though BookLookBloggers in exchange for my honest review of the book. I wasn't required to give a positive review of this book.

Together At the Table by Hillary Manton Lodge

This book is marketed as a Christian novel. It's also a romance. This book is arranged in two parts. Part One is quite a bit longer than Part Two. The 34 chapters are short. Each chapter begins (or ends) with a food-oriented saying. A decoration and the italicized chapter number, line the far top right of each chapter. Each chapter ends with a recipe. The book begins with a forward. It's a letter from the central character to her fiance. In bold, it sets the stage fr the rest of this book. A Reader's Guide of questions for reflection is also included. All is ended with Acknowledgments made to those who made this book possible. The author, Hillary Manton Lodge, is an avid storyteller. She's a novelist, having written series books. These include the Two Blue Doors and the Plain and Simple Series. This book is Book 3 of the Two Blue Doors Series.

This novel failed to hold my interest. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I didn't realize that this is a lighthearted novel and a sentimental romance. In any case, it wasn't wha I expected. The description of this book indicated that a major secret loomed in the primary character's past. At first this caused me to anticipate reading this novel. When I started reading it, though, I never got intersted in this novel. The author writies this story well, from a literary point of view. This book is attractively packaged. It appeals to "foodies" who like to discuss food. The appeal is to those who like to read lighthearted material. This isn't a deep book. It's a book to snuggle up with and read with your coffee. As for me, I don't care to discuss food: I just like to eat it! I discerned little suspense in the story. Even at the end, when the secret was being uncovered, it didn't seem to be major. It seems to be something that is likely in the family trees of many of us. This book is marketed as a Chistian novel. But the only mention of spiritual things is once in the book. That's when the author mentions that the primary character attends her local worship service. I read of no mention of God, Christ, or spiritual things in this book beside this. So this novel is more like a wholesome, lighthearted novel. While the primary character has challenges, they seem to be more of the "mundane" variety.

This book is a lighthearted, wholesome novel. So it won't likely appeal to a broad audience. If you're tired of seedy, salacious novels, this book may be for you. There are many trashy novels out there, which should be burned! If you're a "foodie" who likes to discuss food, you'll enjoy this book. If you enjoy pure sentimental romances, this book is for you. Outside of these groups,I can't see that this book would hold anyone else's interest.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging For Books, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review of this book.

More Info

Author Bio

TEEN STUDY BIBLE

This is a teen study Bible. It's the New King James version translation. Larry and Sue Richards have written the features. This Bible starts out with the Apostles' Creed, the Table of Contents, and tips of how to use this Bible. It includes a preface about the translation itself. Each chapter begins with a description of the book. There are inserts all over this Bible that address issues that apply to the lives of typical teens. Features include We Believe, which unpacks the Apostles' Creed to help teens know why we believe what we believe. Panorama looks at the big picture of each book of the Bible. There are four full color pages, all about the Apostles' Creed. There are key indexes that help teens with in-depth Bible study. To the Point reveals what the Bible says about pressing issues. Dear Jordan offers teens biblical advice. Instant Access tells teens what God says to them personally. Q&A tests knowledge of Bible trivia. Bible Promises highlights Bible verses worth remembering. Book Introductions provides an overview for each book of the Bible. There's an eight page, full color map section. And this Bible contains the complete text of the New King James Version (NKJV).

I'm not the target audience for this book. I'm well past the teen years. The text of this Bible was more like high school level, being almost as small as for adults. I did some of the Bible trvia. What I didn't know I wouldn't even guess; I just looked up the answer. But this is a fun feaure for those who like this kind of thing. The Dear Jordan segments address issues that teens face. These issues include sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, and much more. Jordan handles the sample questions with a pleasing mixtures of honesty, sensitivity, and compassion. The features are meant to get teens to go to God and find their answers and help in Him and the Christian community. Short featres like these can give teens the impression that life can be wrapped up in tidy and quick solutions. The I would have liked to see more hotline 23/7 numbers for readers to contact in these Dear Jordan segments. I guess the editors assumed that teens use the Internet and can look up such information. This Bible is durable and good for the remainder of the teen years though this is a Bible meant to grow out of. This is clearly for teens serious about studying the Bible. Actually, we are blessed to have niche Bibles like this for many demographic groups. In many countries and areas of the world, Bibles are in short supply. In many areas, it's hard or impossible to get a Bible. In many countries of persecution, it's illegal to possess a Bible, read it or teach it. Here in the U.S., we've got an abundance of Bibles! We even have a grandmother's Bible. Always, though, we need to bear in mind that this is God's Word and that man's word isn't needed to add anything to it. There are teens, though, who may prefer plain Bible text and this Bible may not be for them.

The target audience for this Bible is obvious. Teens. Especially older teens. This is a good study Bible that that can be used in youth Bible studies. Since teens like to pick out their own things, I can't speak for who would like this sort of Bible and who wouldn't. I don't recommend that parents waste money on any Bible (or anything) unless the teen gets a chance to check it out first. As a niche Bible, this can't be recommended to general readers.

I have received a complimentary copy of the book through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review of this Bibe. I wasn't required to give a positive review of this book.

There are 182 Signatures on This Petition! Help It Grow!

Because of online political involvement over the past months, I've neglected this petition. Now that the primaries are practically over, I'm back to my primary activity. Months ago, I began a petition to get legislation creating a nationwide abortion alternative. It would give those facing unplanned pregnancies several years of temporary foster care. I have just shortened this period to two years, in recognition that a child needs stability. Two years is still ample time to allow birth parents to improve their own lives to be able to comfortably raise children. While n amount of time in the foster care is ideal in any sense of the world, it's far better than being murdered! This would offer those facing unplanned pregnancies another incentive to choose life for their babies. Temporary foster care isn't available widely or nationwide or pregnancy resource centers would present it as an abortion alternative. The fact that they don't proves we need nationwide legislation, so many babies would be saved through another abortion alternative! If you have already signed this petition, SHARE it! If you haven't yet done so, ADD YOUR NAME! Thank you!

THE BRIDE (ZILLA) OF CHRIST by Ted Kluck and Ronnie Martin

This book is part memoir, part how-to. Its focus is on interpersonal conflict among those in the Christian community. Ted Kluck, one of the authors, is a professional writer. He has written or co-written many books. These include Why We're Not Emergent, a bestseller. His work has appeared in ESPN the Magazine, Sports Spectrum Magazine, and at ESPN.com. He's an assistant professor at Union University. Ronnie Martin is an internationally known Dove Award-nominated recording artist. He has more than 20 album credits that span three decades. He is the lead pastor of Substance Church. The authors open this book with their Prologues. They alternate chapters, over nine chapters. They end this book with Acknowledgements of those who made this book possible. Both authors include their credits. Then they wrap it all up with notes crediting outside sources they used.

In the literary sense, I found this book very easy to read. I read it in two days. Emotionally, it's very hard to absorb. I didn't expect this book to be so convicting and focused on the inherent corruption and wickedness of the reader. This is true whether we are the ones being wounded or are doing the wounding. This isn't a soothing, feel-good book. I rather expected it to be. I have read other books on this same topic which were more soothing and less convicting than this book. As I read, I was taken back to hurts I experienced in the Christian community that were based on cliques, church politics and favoritism. In fact, our family left one congregation because of my interpersonal conflicts with some members whom I got to know really well. I fully agreed with the authors when they point out that we need to lower our expectations of fellow Christians. I do wish he had addressed the reality that not everyone who attends church possesses saving faith. Being part of a church fellowship doesn't make us believers. In fact, Rev. Billy Graham one said that he believes that only five percent of members in any American local church fellowship are true Christ-followers. He needed to point out that many people we attend church with may not know Christ. And that may be the biggest reason that they act unChristian--they don't have the Holy Spirit living inside them. But the authors are 100% right in asserting that we are to relate to people based on appreciating the underserved grace that God extends to us in His Son Jesus. Then with this appreciation of knowing that we are the recipients of God's grace, we extend this same grace to others. I would have liked to see more examples of the authors' principles but I understand they may have felt that the excluded them because of confidentiality, space and readability. One of the authors briefly mentioned "the horrors of abortion" as part of the depravity of our culture, which is behind church conflicts.

I recommend this book for all pastors. Above all those in any congregation, they and their families have to deal with the Christian community. This book will give them talking points for preaching on interpersonal relationships in sermons. This book is for every Christian. We all need the foundation of the knowledge of God's grace toward us in the face of our sins and wrongs. Without this understanding, the principles in this book and in the Bible, are foolishness. There is no earthly reason to obey many of the Bible's precepts, except love for God and knowing His grace toward us. Because of bullying in schoold and online, a youth version of this book needs to be written.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through BloggingFor Books in exchange for my honest review of this book. The book I received was an uncorrected proof. It was not the finished product. I was not required to give a positive review of this book.

More Info

Author Info

WITH MY EYES WIDE OPEN, by Brian "Head" Welch

This memoir is by a rock star and musician, Brian "Head" Welch. Carol Traver co-wrote it. Brian "Head" Welch co-founded that band known as KoRn. This band soon won Grammy Awards and their albums became multi-platimum sellers. Brian received six Grammy nominations, winning two of them. He sold some 40 million records worldwide. In his personal life, he descended to great lows. In 2005, he finally resigned from KoRn and then dedicated his life to Christ. This resulted in his writing an autobiography, Save Me from Myself (Harpercollins), which was released in 2007 and became a New York Times bestseller. Brian also wrote a person, 40-day devotional, Stranger, focusing on the 40 Scriptures that speak most to him. A New York Times bestseller, With My Eyes Wide Open begins with a brief note to readers and a Prologue that sets the tone for this book. Brian tells his story in ten chapters. He closes with an Epilogue. His daughter, Jennea, to whom this book is dedicated, includes a short note of her own. Brian includes another short note, Acknowledgements and an author bio.

I read this book in only a few days. It was mostly what I expected. It is fast reading. I found the touchy-feely tone of "just love Jesus" a bit too much at times. This book took me back to the time when I encountered "Jesus people" who strongly emphasized signs and wonders and the supernatural gifts of the Spirit of God. He claims Divine visitations, times when "the Lord spoke to my heart" specific events and prophecies. I have no reason to think he's making these things up. I felt annoyed a few times for this and guilty for such thoughts. With all that he went through through his own addictions and his daughter, I'm glad that his story has such a happy ending. I found the most heart-wrenching part of the book when he had to leave his troubled daughter in residential care. His daughter's heavy use of social media is typical of many teenagers. In her case it was coupled with her dad's frequent absences. She was often left in the care of different caregivers as her dad was immersed in his career. Though his lifestye is wholly unlike mine, I could identify with his struggles with his daughter. That is, I can identify in the area of heavy use of social media. Not being a follower of today's ceebrities, I didn't know who this author was, or of his music. So the earliest part of Welch's book was not too interesting to me. It was when he got to the struggles with his daughter that this book started to fascinate me. Because the author dedicated this book to his daughter, I knew that it would have a happy ending. As I read this book, I saw how we in denominational setting so almost limit God in how he "can" work. Even more, we're programmed to think that God does the supernatural only for certain people or outside the West. This author reports miracles, including physical healings. Having been in denominational congregations which don't believe in the gifts of the Spirit for today, reading of God's hand moving so unmistakably makes me hunger to get in an "unchurch" environment. This author claims a supernatural, intimate relationship with Jesus that is powerful, but so "unchurch." Reading of God's hand moving in such power in his life and in the lives of others, made me feel almost robbed by growing up in staid denominational congregations--nothing against them! The point is that this author clearly has encountered God's love and power so unmistakably that it's easy to forget that we are to walk by faith and not by feelings.

This book is for everyone. Every single parent of teenagers ought to read this book. First, it will introduce them to the world of the kind of music their teens may listen to. Also, it will let these parents know that they aren't alone when their teens are troubled. They will be able to find the contact information to the services that Welch used when he enrolled his troubled daughter in residential care. This book is also great for teenagers. It's written in their language. They will read of the author's daughter and hopefully understand that when parents monitor their use of social media, it's out of love. Communication and monitoring of their use of social media, have to be the hardest things about the teen years. Non-Christians will be introduced to Jesus throughout this book and at the end of the book. If only because of its testimony to God's grace and power, I recommend this book for Pastors and Christians.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through BookLookBloggers.com in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a favorable review of this book.

A CONSERVATARIAN MANIFESTO by Charles C.W. Cooke

A CONSERVATARIAN MANIFESTO: Structure of This Book

This is a political book. It's an ideas book. The author, Charles W. Cooke, is a writer at National Review. His work has focused especially on Anglo-American history. It also focuses on Bristish liberty, free speech, the Second Amendment and American exceptionalism. Cooke also co-hosts the podcast Mad Dogs & Englishmen. He has broadcasts for HBO with Real Time with Bill Maher, as well as podcasts for BBC, MSNBC, FOX News, The Blaze, CNBC, CTV, ABC, Sun News, and CBS. In addition to National Review, Cooke's writings have also been published in The New York Times, National Interest, the Washington Times and the New York Post. Cooke begins this book with an Introduction on what this book is about. His book includes ten chapters. He defines "conservatarian" in the second chapter. Cooke concludes this book with an Epilogue as well and Acknowedgmements of those who made his book possible.

A CONSERVATARIAN MANIFESTO: My Experience Reading This Book


This book is not light or entertaining reading. It's academic. I had trouble maintaining interest for the first part of the book. It was pretty much what I expected, cerebral, political and serious. This book was written before the beginning of the 2016 Presidential campaign, but the author mentions several of the candidates. They are the ones who suspended their campaigns early. I would have liked to see subheadings that would have made it easier to read this book. As I read this book I couldn't help but wonder what this author would have said about the past candidates. What would he have said about Donald Trump? I wasn't clear about what "conservatarian" was supposed to mean exactly. This author clearly is libertarian, which is a conservative person who is "hands off" about social issues. The libertarian worldview wants to get the government out of all our social lives. It believes in the total separation between church and state. Libertarians believe in "live and let live." They are fiscally conservative and want small, limited government. On abortion and sanctity of life issues, this author DID draw the line and seems to favor making abortion illegal. He is openly atheist. This makes clear that one can use science, not religion, to argue successfully for why life must be safeguarded from conception to natural death. But he is "hands off" about "LGBT rights" and makes clear that these should be left alone. It's not a matter of life and death. IT seems that the author would agree with most of the positions of John Kasich, the Ohio Governor. Gary Johnson is the Libertarian candidate who is currently surging in the national polls. Aside from abortion, this author would seem to agree with Gary Johnson more than with most of the other candidates this primary season. That's only my opinion.

A CONSERVATARIAN MANIFESTO: Recommendations for This Book

This book obviously appeals to a narrow audience. It seems of interest or use to those interesteed in politics. It's not a general audience book. Anyone who is a "political junkie" will probably be interested in this book. This book should be required reading for political science students in colleges and universities. If you intend to vote for a libertarian candidate in the November general election, you may want to read this book. You will get the drift of what your candidate believes and how this candidate would approach positions and policies.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through BloggingForBooks, in exchange of my honest review of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review of this book.

More Info

Author Bio

Gianna Aborted...and Lived To Tell About it!

Gianna Aborted...and Lived To Tell About it!

BLACK AND WHITE BIBLE, BLACK AND BLUE WIFE by Ruth A. Tucker

This is a domestic violence memoir. It is written by an author who recounts her own domestic violence at the hands of her ex-husband. She challenges the way that the teaching of male headship is done in the Christian Church, and makes the case for mutuality in a Christian marriage. Ruth A. Tucker, the author, has a PhD. from Northern Illinois University. She has taught mission studies and church history at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Calvin Theological Seminary. She has written dozens of articles and 18 books, including From Jerusalem To Irian Jaya. She begins her memoir with an Introduction. She writes 12 chapters in all. Each Chapter opens with a relevant and notable quote. Each chapter ends with a brief poem. She closes this memoir with an Afterword, and Acknowledgements of those who made this book possible. Then she wraps it all up with Notes from sources she consulted for each chapter.

This book was not what I expected. I thought it was going to be mostly a momoir mainly about her experiences. Tucker actually doesn't say much about her ex-husband; she describes her abusive marriage as a Christian marriage. Her ex-husband was a pastor. Instead, the book seems to be mostly her reflections and findings about domestic violence. She occasionally refers to or weaves in her own experiences. Maybe she has to be guarded if her ex-husband is still alive. I don't know. She does a good job of bringing in some church fathers in relation to their view of Biblical feminism. She stresses that the submission the Bible commands is mutual submission between wife and husband, not wifely submission to husbands. She interprets the Biblical command of wives to submit to husbands, as a cultural matter. Biblical feminism seems to be the central theme of this book. I was disappointed that the author raises the bar on what she calls abuse, to appy to only physical abuse. I know that the word abuse has to be used responsibly, or the word becomes meaningless. Tucker raises the bar on what she defines as abuse, to severe physical abuse. The title of this book is too long, though I think I understand the intent behind it. I found this book mildly interesting but as I was disappointed at the narrow definition of abuse, I think the book will resonate only with those experience severe physical abuse, or those who want to help them. I know of other books on abuse which are much more informative and helpful. Some of the theology in this book is questionable, though I agree that pastors and Christian leaders have failed married couples. They have failed them by not clearly defining the roles of wives and husbands. They have failed to teach men how to love their wives. They have especially failed to teach wives about what Biblical submission is and how to apply it.

Because of this author's questionable theology and narrow definition of abuse, I hesitate to recommend this book to many women facing difficult marriages. Or to husbands. I do recommend it to pastors and Christians who are sound in their faith and can discern Biblical feminism as it relates to Scripture. I recommend this book to Christian men who are sound in their faith to learn about physical abuse and control from a female point of view. I received a complimentary copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review of this book.