It Was A Dark & Stormy Night...

One Thousand Gifts

2010-12-23T10:28:00.000-08:00

I do not normally do this as this will be a book that I buy and am not obliged to review, but the author (Ann Voskamp) of a luminous blog that I am a regular reader of has written a book to be released soon and I cannot wait to read it. For a preview of her wonderfully deep, yet uplifiting prose you must visit her blog and sink deep in the rich words and images. You may find her book here to pre-order.

Next up!

2010-12-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

Life Without Limits

by Nick Vujicic

I am super excited about the next book on it's way to me from Waterbrook Multnomah! Maybe you have heard of this amazing man on a youtube.com video or a forward from a friend, but in this book, Mr. Vujicic tells his life story and how he not only makes it through, but lives a victorious life. Stay tuned for the review!

What a book!

2010-12-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

I received my copy of Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski yesterday in the mail and had finished it before I went to bed last night. I could not put down this attention-catching book! Rarely does a book captivate me so deeply, but the conviction on this young man's heart, place there by the Holy Spirit, to walk 5 months in the life of the homeless was clear. Five months and 5 major US cities later and the understanding of what the homeless in our nation face was more real than he ever expected it to be. This book is not a challenge for believers to do the same as the author did, but to listen to the Holy Spirit and respond in complete willingness to conviction. The challenge is clear- how do you live out what you believe? Do you DO anything about the needs in those around you or just give lip service to their pain? I highly recommend this book to any believer, young or old. It crosses age and denominational lines and gets to the heart of the matter. Get it today!

*Please note: this book was provided free of charge by Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my unbiased review.

*Updated: What can you do about the homeless in America? Here are some links to find out:
Christmas Under the Overpass
Read the first chapter of Under the Overpass

A New Blogging resource AND Book on the way!

2010-11-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

Big news! I am adding another blogging source to my repertoire and it is open to you as well without an application process! Blogging for Books by Waterbrook Multnomah is looking for more book reviewers. Click on the link to the left and check them out for yourself! I was impressed at their selection and the easy usefulness of their site. Let me know what you think!

My first selection from their company is one I am very excited about. Under The Overpass by Mike Yankioski captured my attention even in the midst of the plethora of other offered titles. It is on it's way to me now so look for a review very soon.

The Grace Of God- upcoming!

2010-10-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

A bonus book to review from Thomas Nelson! Occasionally they will throw one in there and it is always exciting when it does. This one comes from one of my favorite speakers, Andy Stanley. You will have to wait for the review until October 19th when it will be released, but here is what Thomas Nelson has to say about it:

Learn how God's grace can and will transform you.
None of us deserve what God offers, a life free from sin and hope for a glorious future, but unbelievably it's ours for the taking. Why? Because of God's grace. The unmerited favor, the lavish love and kindness he pours out on us, and has, since Creation.
But if it's so available then why do we live a grace-less life? Why are our churches filled with disillusioned Christians, weary of religion's demands, struggling with personal defeat because of issues or behaviors?
Join pastor Andy Stanley as he traces grace through the Old and New Testament, observing God's grace at work in the lives of some of the best, and worst, characters. He also uses personal stories from his own life to reveal how grace is not a natural response but is the most essential one. Together these stories unravel the mystery of grace and tell of its transforming power to set us free.

On it's way: The Big Red Bible!

2010-09-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

My 7 year old will be my review buddy on the next selection from Thomas Nelson! On it's way to me now! Here is what the publisher has to say about this one:

The same "Big Red" Bible that you've trusted for 25 years . . . now with updated, fresh, 3-D art for today's video-game generation. A full-text of the International Children’s Bible translation with bright Red cover and ALL NEW contemporary art, that was created especially for children ages 6 to 12. “Big Red” has been updated with an all new collection of beautiful full color pages, illustrating treasured Bible stories. Inside the type is big and readable for this age group. Kids will love having a Bible to take to church that’s easy-to-read and understand!

Searching for God Knows What

2010-09-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

Searching For God Knows What by Donald Miller is a though provoking look at redemption. His unique memoir-styled writing can take some getting used to, but when you glimpse the gold nuggets of truth in what he has crafted it is well worth the look. Mr. Miller challenges the reader to think, look at things from a different perspective and challenges long held customs and attitudes held by "the church" in comparison to what the bible actually says. It is a personal journey, when you read one of his books and this one no less. Do you really know what you are searching for? Do you even know why you are searching? God does and he longs to share it with you! Though it takes some discipline to stick with this book until it begins to pull together and make cohesive sense (at least for this blogger) it is well worth it.

*Note: a copy of this book was provided compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for the honest review of this blogger.

Outlive Your Life

2010-09-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado is a timely and powerful message to our generation. Turn on the news and you are instantly overwhelmed by the good that you think you cannot do,but Max assures his readers otherwise. His premise is that you and I can be the world to one person even though we may not reach the entire world. What we do with our lives matters and wherever we are place is where we should wholly invest ourselves. By beginning the book wondering what people will say at our funerals, he sets the stage for some life-changing pondering.

Mr. Lucado's masterful retelling of well known bible stories within this context as examples really brings to home the timelessness of God's will for our lives- that we should be Jesus to others. His voice, as always, rings true with grace and humor thrown in for spice. I highly recommend this book to any person of any age who wants to make a difference in the life they are living without going off to search for a new one. Making it real with scripture and recommended prayers at the beginning of each chapter really invited the reader to own the truths between these covers. Check it out! You will not be dissapointed.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to the blogger in exchange for an honest review.

Bittersweet

2010-09-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist was a delight to read. The author has a unique voice that sticks with you long after the last page is read. I found my self going back over her life narrative searching out the many quotes to highlight that had become such a definer of the less than simple nuances of the life that I lead and could read in between her lines. The way that the author talks about her thoughts on many relevant themes shows a wonderfully fresh absence of worrying about what the reader thinks of her personally just so long as they get the idea behind her words. Tackling such topics as miscarriage and job loss is not easy, to say the least, but Ms. Niequist does so with a sparkling twist of honesty and grace that does not lose her humanness. Mixed in with her angst on marriage, parenting, family, friendships and being a woman is an undeniable truth that God is who he says he is and points us to himself in all the areas of our lives while faithfully loving us along the way.

Note: This book was provided compliments of Zondervan publishers in exchange for my honest review.

The Devil in Pew Number Seven

2010-09-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

The Devil in Pew Number Seven by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo. This one kind of snuck in there, but I am so glad it did! This book was an amazing testament to the power of forgiveness in the face of overwhelming odds. I believe that anyone who is having trouble forgiving would greatly benefit from reading the account of the author and the horrendous things that one man did to her childhood and family. There were times, when reading this book, that I so wanted to put it down and not read anymore! It seemed as if things could not possibly get worse! Tears were ready, but by the end of the book they were tears of amazement. The author did a wonderful job in telling the WHOLE story without sounding as if there were any trace of a grudge being held. I would readily give this book 5 stars and a round of applause.

Note: this book was provided to me complimentary by Tyndale House publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Two books at once!

2010-08-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

On it's way to me from Thomas Nelson for my review! So excited about this one.... I have yet to finish the Donald Miller book, but this is one that needed a review on a certain date before it was released to the general public so we were allowed 2 books at one time... here is what the book synopsis says...

These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did. (Please note: International Bloggers will receive International Edition.)

Pleasantly surprised by personal stories.

2010-07-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading An Army of Ordinary People by Felicity Dale and was pleasantly surprised by what I found between those covers. (Provided this book free of charge by Tyndale in exchange for my review.) This book examines what the first Christian churches were about and how modern people have applied those principles to the idea of home churches for today. There are stories of people from all walks of life sharing how they have brought Jesus and teaching the bible into their homes, workplaces and even into leisure times. I was delighted with stories of how people's lives have been transformed just by ordinary people fulfilling the charge of Jesus to "Go into all the world...". Well written and yet down to earth, I recommend this book to anyone confused by the idea of mega church versus personal discipleship. It gave me a lot to chew on and challenged me to have integrity in responding to the call to share Christ everywhere I am.

Next Up: Searchng for God Knows What

2010-04-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

On it's way to me now, from Thomas Nelson Publishers for my review: Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller. Here is what the product review page says:

New York Times best-selling author Donald Miller explores the origin and meaning of redemption in this fully revised and redesigned bestseller.

Hysterically funny, wryly provocative, and disquietingly insightful, Searching for God Knows What invites readers to examine their deep need for redemption, to feel it, know it, and live like it is true in their lives.

Miller weaves phenomenal characters and true-to-life spectacles into his acclaimed memoir style to enrich, inspire, entertain, and ultimately challenge readers to see life in a new way. He shows that one of the greatest desires of every person is the desire for redemption, to have brokenness repaired. Instead of the chaotic relationships, self-hatred, wreckless consumerism, and anxiety that overrun a life without redemption, Miller uncovers the beauty and power of the Gospel to fulfill one of our deepest needs.

Kaleidesope- pretty, but little substance...

2010-04-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

Women of Faith author, Patsy Clairmont offers up this quirky, humorous look into the proverbs and how multifaceted they can be. In "Kaleidescope: Seeing God's Wit and Wisdom in a Whole New Light" Patsy shares her insights, memories and anecdotes as she sees them throughout the proverbs and in correlation with her fascination with kaleidoscopes through the years. While a good read and humorous, the book fell flat for this reviewer. Like cotton candy, there was a lot of surface insight with very little to chew on. There are many gems of hope and reminders of God's faithfulness that might be helpful as sermon illustrations or as a light book study, but do not look to this book to be very deep. Perfect as a gift book for someone looking for a different perspective or a shift in life, it will help the reader adjust their focus to see things in a little different light.

*please note: this book was complimentary from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Up next: An Army of Ordinary People

2010-04-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

On it's way from Tyndale Press (a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion of the product): An Army of Ordinary People by Felicity Dale. Here is what the product description says:

An Army of Ordinary People contains the key to explosive, transformational, 21st century evangelism. Renowned church planter Felicity Dale shares stories of how God has always used—and is still using—ordinary believers to carry out his work in simple ways throughout the world. Some of these stories are dramatic—people being led to the Lord by the friends who counseled them through drug addictions and criminal pasts. Some are everyday—a dad spending his Sunday teaching Bible lessons to his kids, or a couple inviting their neighbors over to dinner and a spiritual discussion. But in each of them, there is a light bulb moment, when someone just like you thinks I can do that! And as a result, the gospel is spreading . . . and lives are being changed.

The Red Letters Project

2010-04-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

I can honestly say I have never heard anything like The Red Letters Project. This amazing collection of 3 CD's covers every word spoken by Jesus that is recorded in the book of Matthew. It takes segments that follow a theme and puts them to music that echos the feel behind the words spoken. We have word-for-word translations, and thought-for-thought translations, but this adds the element of emotion and audio in such a way as to add contemporary understanding to the emotion that must have been felt or desired to be conveyed by the words that God chose to include in the Bible. Some of the selections are hard rock, some rap, and others alternative, but all stay true to using only the words of Jesus. I felt a call to sit up and take notice to those words in a way never before experienced. I urge you to check out this amazing project and see where you might use it in ministry or personal fulfillment. You will be glad you did! This project releases in June 2010, but you can check out more reviews here.

*Please note this material was a complimentary copy provided to me by Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my review.

Breakthrough to Clarity Contest!

2010-03-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

The New Living Translation Break Through to Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway

Visit www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation and click on the tab that says “Sweepstakes”

Fill out a simple form, take a quick Bible clarity survey, invite your friends to join and you’ll be entered to win one of our exciting prizes.

Up next: The Red Letters Project

2010-02-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

To be released in April 2010, a unique opportunity! This dynamic, one-of-a-kind presentation of the words of Christ features 40 tracks—both sung and narrated word-for-word from the Gospel of Matthew. The Red Letters Project is an excellent gift for teens, young adults, lovers of God’s Word, and music fans. A unique alternative to spoken-word audio Bibles, The Red Letters Project was produced by entertainment-industry legend Russ Regan, a committed Christian who envisions this as his legacy project.

A complimentary copy of this from Tyndale House Publishers is on it's way to me now for my review so I will let you know what I think as soon as I can!

Next up.....

2010-02-18T18:49:00.000-08:00

To be released soon, but Thomas Nelson Publishers has a complimentary copy on it's way to me for my reivew as I type....

Kaleidoscope Seeing God's Wit and Wisdom in a Whole New Light

By Patsy Clairmont

The Gospel according to Lost

2010-02-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

Chris Seay has done a masterful job in The Gospel According to Lost of making some sense out of a television phenomenon whose joy in being is in confusing it's followers. There are always new turns, twists and tales in each episode and season. Mr. Seay does a masterful job of showing the biblical references as well as how each main character relates to one another and to the story as a whole. It was amazing to read through his detailed description and each connection point. Even if you have only seen a few episodes of the show you will be entertained and encouraged to understand just why this show has captured the imagination of the world. Even written one season before the end it is valuable to help regular viewers gain deeper cultural understanding that will be drawn on past the end of the show's life. The nature and tendencies of human nature are all here! I highly recommend this book to Lost aficionados and rookies alike.

*FTC (Federal Trade Commission) regulations now require that each book review be accompanied by the note that a complimentary copy of this book was provided to me for my review.*

This one looks interesting!

2009-12-09T20:44:00.001-08:00

The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay... check it out! It is on it's way to me now and I'll let you know what I think shortly!

Voices of the Faithful... finally!

2009-12-09T20:28:00.001-08:00

I know it seems like forever since I posted a book review... that is because it HAS been forever! When I received "Voices of the Faithful" to lend my opinion to I was overwhelmed and have taken more time to review this book than others in the past. Yes, it is a daily devotional, but it is more than that. At this time of year and in this current economic downturn it has been very refreshing to be reminded that God is working every day in every corner of the globe. Written entirely by missionaries, this testimony to the power of God to transform lives and meet extraordinary needs is a daily shot in the arm to those of us who doubt... pretty much everyone at one time or other. I highly recommend this devotional to just about anyone who wants to be reminded of that still small voice and the faithfulness of our trustworthy God.

A must-read!

2009-09-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

If you have any library of any size, may I highly recommend this book? Max Lucado may have one hit after another, but he hits the ball way outa the park with Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear! Not only is it timely, but it is timeless. Humans have a distinct tendency to worry... and in this day and age it is almost as normal as breathing. We almost feel guilty NOT worrying! Mr. Lucado not only looks at the underlying reasons why we are held in the grip of fear, but what God says about how to escape that noose. With wit, sensitivity and an unshakable determination he invites the reader to confront their fears, name them and dismiss them with the help of our faithful heavenly father. This book will be a staple in my yearly book list and an item on my gift giving list as well. I hope you find it as encouraging and empowering.

Yes, you are seeing double....

2009-08-31T07:48:00.001-07:00

You're in for a double header! Thomas Nelson has it's reviewers doing more than one review at a time right now and they are looking like real gems! Here are the next reviews on their way to you:

This is what the product page of Thomas Nelson has to say about Voices of the Faithful:

"A willingness to go is all they have in common," exclaim Beth Moore and Kim P. Davis, speaking of their friends on the front lines who are spreading the gospel around the world and with whom they collaborated to create this book. This second book of 366 daily devotionals features stories of God’s faithfulness, written by hundreds of missionaries worldwide.
From stirring miracles to heroic adventures, this second volume highlights those who daily go to the outer limits of spiritual devotion.
A follow-up to the first book which has now sold over 300,000 copies."

And the next one I was so very excited to recieve is by an author who is a favorite to many with a topic that is more than timely, but a word of encouragement to God's people in a very uncertain time: "Fearless: imagine your life without fear" by the very insightful master communicator, Max Lucado.

They're talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word terror. Fear, it seems, has taken up a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison of unlocked doors. Wouldn't it be great to walk out?
Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, where you could trust more and fear less.
Can you imagine your life without fear?"

Stay tuned!

Jesus Calling

2009-08-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

After recieving Jesus Calling to review I dug right in! I love devotionals and books that are like a spirtual cup of coffee to my soul. I am sorry to say that I was dissapointed in this particular one. Though Sarah Young has a wonderful idea in writing down exactly what she felt that Jesus was saying to hear, I feel it was specifically what SHE needed to hear. I found the devotional repetitive and after about a dozen entries it became stale for me. If you happen to be in the same place that the author was when she wrote this book then you may find it refreshing and encouraging, but I would say it is a must to have your Bible out and reading the sriptures for yourself that she gives at the end of each day's entry. Don't get me wrong, the truths that she shares for each day are not, I believe, take out of context, but they the end of the book you get a very real sense of what God wanted to say to the author and where she was coming from, and in that vein, you know the author's needs and not your own.

Next Up!

2009-05-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

The next book headed to me for my review is Jesus Calling: Seeking peace in his presence by Sarah Young. Here is what Thomas Nelson has to say about it:

Uniquely inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year by missionary Sarah Young.
Jesus Calling is a devotional filled with uniquely inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year. After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her. It was awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to dialogue. She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but journaling helped her grow closer to God. Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her messages. They are written from Jesus' point of view, thus the title Jesus Calling. It is Sarah's fervent prayer that our Savior may bless readers with His presence and His peace in ever deeper measure.

Amazing truth revealed!

2009-05-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how amazing this book was to read??? I am in the midst of a class on the end times and we are focusing on the role of Israel and the Jewish people right now. It was serendipitous timing to be reading this book and discovering how miraculously God used the people of Italy to save a remnant of Jewish people under the very nose of Mousselini during the second world war. The people of the small towns and villages humbly and without thought for their own lives took a silent stand and acknowledged the right of the Jewish people to survive. The truly puzzling thing is that they did it withot knowledge of the same thing being doen throughout the country and then did not even speak of it until just recently to a woman who made it her purpose in life to recognize such bravery publicly. Though I am not catholic, I can understand the signifigance of the recognition of the pope himself at these acts of selflessness. This book has some amazing pictures and reads a little like a memoir, but is so very worth the wading to uncover the riches of the human spirit. I highly recomend this book to anyone who doubts that anything good came out of the "war to end all wars". Doing what is right is always the right thing to do.

NEXT!

2009-04-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

"It Happened In Italy:

Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust"

By Elizabeth Bettina

I'm very excited to review this book since my ancenstor come from Southern Italy and I love hearing true stories of how people have stood up for what is right and how God protected them in doing so...

Inventive and fun!

2009-04-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

Here's something a little different! Similar in feel to a childhood version of Indiana Jones, the value of being different in couched in a grand mystery and an adventure! Everyone goes through the indecurity of being a little different and comparing themselves to others. This Hermie and Friends adventure helps kids discover the blessings of being a little different and the truth that God has a special purpose for each of us! Creative storytelling and bright animation couple to bring a bible-based tale sure to delight over and over again! With a wonderful twist at the end, each child will feel quite smart to have figured out, all of the characters have a change in perspective and find that God is indeed in control. There is something for everyone in this video- even grown ups won't mind sitting through the inventive tale.

The Noticer: an easy buck...

2009-04-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

I don't give negative reviews often as I have a special appreciation for the hard work of an author, but this one really got me... When I opened The Noticer, by Andy Andrews, I was quickly drawn in by the storytelling and the parable-esque quality of the writing. If I was a new Christian or a person seeing the frosting-type of sweetness that comes from shallow advice I would think this was a very good book. There are so many other religeous self-help books that were skimmed to cobble this one together than I got a little lost about what advice was given to what situation. The main character was so unbelievable that I was totally turned off by the 3rd chapter even. I have to say that I was very dissapointed in the amount of scripture used. It felt a little like playing the telephone game with a whole lot of great ideas being passed around without roots. I honestly would not recommend this book at all unless it is for a very light devotional or a mindless distraction.

Next: Same Kind of Different as Me

2009-02-25T17:57:00.001-08:00

Coming next: Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Here is the teaser from the Thomas Nelson Product Page:

A dangerous, homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery.
An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani and Chanel.
A gutsy woman with a stubborn dream.
A story so incredible no novelist would dare dream it.
It begins outside a burning plantation hut in Louisiana . . . and an East Texas honky-tonk . . . and, without a doubt, in the heart of God. It unfolds in a Hollywood hacienda . . . an upscale New York gallery . . . a downtown dumpster . . . a Texas ranch.
Gritty with pain and betrayal and brutality, this true story also shines with an unexpected, life-changing love.

EDITED 5/6/09: This book was in PDF form and will take a while longer to read. This review may be a while in coming, but don't give up!

A Great Grief Helper

2009-02-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

A real help for those grieving is "For the Tough Times" by Max Lucado. This gift book type piece was a nice surprise wrapped up in what I thought would be a bubble gum-hued band aid for those suffering from the death of a loved one. This book is so much more.

We grieve over those lost to death as well as relationships lost to pride or sin. We grieve over jobs lost and futures lost. We all face tough times and the answer is found in Christ for all situations. I was so inspired by the actual applicable texts found in this book that I quickly found a stuation in one close to me to give this book to. It is a wonderful tool to pass along after you have found the help needed within it's pages for your own pain.

I really liked that it was not a glib collection of platitudes, but shone the light on the real issues faced in the midst of pain as well as the importance of facing them with God's help. This connection is acheived through prayer and immersion in scripture to remind us of God's unending control. In grief we can easily feel that God has forgotten about us or is caught off guard, but listening to his voice through his word and pouring out our hearts to him in prayer can reset our center and help us to stand.

I urge you to obtain a copy of this book even when not in crisis. Teach your heart to pray now so that when grief enters your life you will be ready.

Next: For The Tough Times

2008-12-22T19:25:00.001-08:00

On to the next book! For The Tough Times by Max Lucado. I love this author, have many books by him and I am really looking forward to this book's arrival!!!

Here is what Thomas Nelson has to say about it:

When we feel that life is out of control, He is in control.
When tragedy strikes, people desperately search for answers. Believers and unbelievers alike find themselves turning to God. Best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado points to the only real answer to tragedy and crisis: Prayer. In For the Tough Times, Lucado helps us understand how to pray despite our doubt and fear.

Needs a warning....

2008-12-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I have finally finished reading House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo. Once I got started it went very quickly and held my attantion fully. My first reaction to this book was that it needed a rating of PG-13. There are some highly emotional parts to this book as well as some very graphicly violent passages as well. It was a riveting introduction to what is sure to be a popular series and had a fittingly surprising twist at the end that assures you of the eanrwed aticiaption of future sequels.

In this book, a 15 year old boy and his family move to a backwoods hick town for apparently no reason and the house they find that seems to meet their needs has some disconcerting anomalies about it. Voices seem to come from the wrong direction, paople seem to be in the wrong places and a pair of huge footprints is found in the dust that cannot be explained. When the brothers in the story find that a linen closet mysteriously transports them to a locker at the local school the terror begins and everything unravels.

Mr. Liparulo tells the story masterfully and I was drawn into the story by his picutresquely descriptive writing. If you like mysteries and don't mind a bit of suspense and gore this may be the series for you.

And next on the list...

2008-12-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo

Looks like a young adult fiction book, but there was little to chose from this time around and my friend, Mara, is expecting the other one I wanted to read on the list, so it's all good! Look for a review of this one in the next couple of weeks!

Review: The Moon Shines Down

2008-12-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

Can I just say, when you read this book it may just take you back to your childhood... or maybe to the childhood of your parents? I know that this book was written by a woman who died in 1952 ( it was recently discovered in an old trunk and published for the first time), but it took me by surprise just how nostalgic it would make me for my childhood and hearing my mother's voice read stories to me as a child. My first read-through of it was to my 6 year old son who loved it and begged to have it read again. The simple song/rhyme "I see the moon" is one that I have sung to my children since infancy and so the book's arrival was eagerly anticipated by us all.

The book takes you on a 'round the globe journey to see many of the cultures of the world and be reminded that the moon shines down on each. The story is reminiscent of Runaway Bunny and Goodnight Moon in it's tenderness and lullaby-like cadence and it is easy to see how this book will become another classic to the adoring audiences of each of those books as well. I was delighted at the extended length of the book and that it really did touch on so many other cultures without being too deep for young ears.

I recommend this book to any young family who would like to introduce a broader perspective to their children and perhaps reach back to a simpler time when it was easier to see the world as a series of childlike cultural icons on a waffle house map. The innocence and gentleness of this book will be a reassurance to those tired of viewing the world in a defensive manner and who posses a yearning to see all God's children in a common light.

Coming Soon: The Moon Shines Down

2008-11-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

The Moon Shines Down by Margaret Wise Brown (author of Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny)

I cannot wait to get this children's book in the mail to begin my next review!!! For a preview of what to expect, click here.

I am particularly excited to get this one because it contains a familiar song that my boys and I sang when they were very little...

Review: Chronological Study Bible

2008-11-17T14:00:00.001-08:00

From the moment I opened this amazing study tool I was impressed! Some of it's wonderful array of highlights:

Full color maps, photos and illustrations
Historical accounts

Timelines

Transition helps

Cultural highlights

Contextual Helps

Extensive glossary and concordance

Index of cultural and historical topics

Couched in the easy to read New King James version, Publisher Thomas Nelson offers this treasure trove of study helps is a must-have for any theological student, pastor or bible teacher. Whether doing a group study or individual study, the reader holds the key to deeper understanding of passages as well as the bible as a whole. It is very easy to understand and puts into perspective the Word in a way that feels more devotional than textbook.

Did you know that the prophet Amos was a sheepbreeder and the "tender of sycamore fruit"? Seems the fruit of a sycamore is a kind of a fig and that small cuts must be made in each of the young fruits to improve the quality of the mature fruit. It was considered a low status job and made the message that he had to give even more importance. It is notes like this all throughout the book that give this unique tool it's appeal.

With this tool, the reader is easily able to explore many different perspectives and elements of life in the day that the bible was written. I highly reccomend this book as a vital part of any Christian's biblical tool belt!

Coming soon...

2008-10-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Look for a review of this one coming soon! It's on it's way to me as I type :)

Look ma, another blog!

2008-10-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

Yup sports fans, it's another blog. I must be addicted... This one was reccomended by my friend Mara and fits perfectly with one of my passions... reading! Check back occasionally for book reviews from the publisher, Thomas Nelson. Sign up for notifications of new posts if you want... this one won't be updated unless I read a new book that I review... Let me know if you have books that you review too! I'd love to get the insides scoop :)