Firsthand: Ditching Secondhand Religion for a Faith of Your Own by Ryan & Josh Shook

Firsthand encourages readers to move beyond the religion that was passed on to them and enter into a personal relationship with Christ. Ideal for a late teen to mid-twenty year old, this book is refreshing in the aim to return to a true relationship with God, not just religious practices. Many young people are disillusioned with the church because they need a fresh encounter with God. The Shooks encourage people to wrestle and question, not to pretend like they have all the answers. It’s a raw, firsthand faith that will make a lasting impact.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but the opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Persecuted: The Global Assault on Christians

This certainly isn’t a “fun read” … but it’s the brutal reality faced by Christians throughout the world. Broken down by region, this book considers the history and culture of countries while giving examples of the types of persecution that takes place against Believers. It’s difficult to think about, especially considering the way such events are not discussed in mainstream media. That being said, we are no better off claiming ignorance. After reading this book you will be aware of what’s going on and may very well be stirred to pray harder for those facing such brutalities.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Altared by Claire & Eli

Need a fresh look at relationships and love? Heard all the trite advice before and feel like something is missing? This just might be a good book for you to read. In Altared, Claire and Eli oscillate between sharing their experiences and story and challenging readers to view dating and marriage differently. Marriage and getting there as fast as possible is often pushed in today’s Christian culture. Without disputing the value of marriage, the authors consider whether as a whole we are too worked up about “we.” Admittedly, I found it a bit hard to follow the authors at some points as they seemed to bounce around quite a bit. All in all, the book challenged me to think beyond the norm and I would recommend it to a friend.

 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but the opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Pursuing Justice: The Call to Live and Die for Bigger Things

This book was good for the most part. Not the best I’ve ever read related to justice, but it definitely contained some good ideas. I found it to be a little “heavy” at the beginning and I had to push through that part. Before long, however, it turned a corner and I found reading it to be much more enjoyable. We live in a broken world and this book addresses how followers of Christ should respond. It was a challenging read and did not solely focus on one particular issue that needs restoration. I would recommend this book to a friend who is contemplating the purpose of their life and desiring to be a part of a bigger story than themselves.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I Am Not But I Know I Am

 

The catchy title immediately caught my attention. Through engaging stories, Louie Giglio captures the reader and continually reminds them that though they are small, they have a part to play in the bigger story of God’s work. The fact that smallness compared to God does not equate to insignificance was a recurring theme throughout this book. I found I Am Not But I Know I Am to be an easy, enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it. Whether you are stressed out or feeling insignificant, this book will speak truth to your heart and remind you of the big God you serve.

 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but the opinions expressed in this post are mine.

 

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

As an introvert, I was eager to read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Unfortunately, the book did not live up to my expectations. If you’re looking for an easy read, this isn’t it. The content is good, but it’s a deep, heavy read. I am normally a fast reader, but I could not plow through this book quickly. The book is divided into four parts: 1) the extrovert ideal which focuses on how our society prefers extroverts to introverts, 2) your biology, your self? which considers if temperament is a product of nature or nurture, 3) do all cultures have an extrovert ideal? which looks beyond the American landscape, and 4) how to love, how to work which addresses interacting with the opposite type and helpful tips for raising quiet kids. All in all, I found this book to be a decent read but not one I would heartily recommend to a friend.

 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but the opinions expressed in this post are mine.

5 Money Personalities

I definitely enjoyed reading this book! Personal finance is an interest of mine, so I was eager to select this book to review in the BookSneeze program. The authors take a different approach to money. Instead of focusing on the usual topics of savings, retirement plans, mortgages, etc., they consider the underlying motivation for money decisions – a person’s money personality. They define five personalities: saver, spender, security seeker, risk taker, and flyer. After guiding the reader through the discovery process of their individual money personality, they consider the money personality of the spouse and how opposites generally attract. With this understanding in place, they offer suggestions on how married couples can work together and move forward, as opposed to arguing about money all the time. This was a unique approach that definitely kept my interest. The book was an easy read and I finished it in two nights.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Our Favorite Sins by Todd Hunter

In Our Favorite Sins, Todd Hunter looks at the sins we commit and how to quit. Research from the Barna Group is included as well. A variety of common sins from procrastination to laziness were discussed. I thought this book was a mediocre read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Jesus Mission by Steven Scott

In The Jesus Mission by Steven Scott, readers are faced with the fact that Jesus accomplished twenty-seven missions while on Earth, and He assigned four to his followers. Scott seeks to answer the question “How do I know what God wants from me?” The book is divided into three parts – intimacy with God, the way He wants it; the missions Christ has given to you; and what you never knew about Jesus that will change your life. The four missions Scott addresses are: 1) become more intimate with God, 2) accelerate your personal growth, 3) empower other believer to better follow Christ, and 4) impact the lives of nonbelievers. This was a challenging, well written book that looks at the common questions believers have regarding what to do with their life. While I would recommend this book to a friend, it's not an "all-time favorite" of mine.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

“When Work & Family Collide: Keeping Your Job from Cheating Your Family” by Andy Stanley

In this book, Andy Stanley challenges readers to re-evaluate their priorities and make tough decisions to ensure the well-being of the family unit. Acknowledging that we only have so many hours in a day, Stanley encourages readers to “cheat” their workplace in order to prioritize their family. It is important to note that cheating does not refer to any sort of illegal activity; rather, it is the idea of “choosing to give up one thing in hope of gaining something else of greater value” (p1). Stories, both Stanley’s and those of others, are included throughout the book and really exemplify the point he is trying to make. Additionally, the Biblical story of Daniel and its implications are discussed at great length. All in all, I found this to be an enjoyable, easy read. Now actually implementing the principles discussed is another story entirely!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but the opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Torn by Jud Wilhite

Torn: Trusting God When Life Leaves You in Pieces is an excellent read. We all face trials in life. This book encourages readers to persevere and to cling to God through it all. The book is divided into two parts: trusting God when torn and putting the pieces back together. If you’re struggling now, have struggled in the past, or expect to struggle in the future, this book is worth your read. It’s written in an easy to understand style that was easy to relate to.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Stumbling Into Grace by Lisa Harper

In this engaging book, Lisa Harper shares her heart, life, and insight with readers. The subtitle of the book, “Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Woman” is so fitting. This book is written in a real, let’s sit down and chat sort of conversational style. Harper is real and has no problem sharing personal stories – even some less than flattering ones! Using stories as a way to introduce Biblical concepts, Harper writes in such a way that really pulls the reader in to what she is trying to say. The book is divided into three sections: real life, real gifts, and real growth. She ends the chapters with a prayer, questions for personal reflection and/or group discussion, and a journal entry prompt. Through this, it is apparent that Harper wants the reader to really engage and internalize what she is saying. This is more than just a book to read. It’s truth to sink in. To change. To transform. I thorough enjoyed reading this book and felt that I had left a good, funny conversation with Harper.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A great read!

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Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado

In Cure for the Common Life, Lucado encourages readers to leave behind ordinary and pursue their sweet spot. Through analyzing your past, considering your S.T.O.R.Y., and making a big deal out of God, you can cure the common life. This book was interesting to read and causes the reader to challenge the status quo. A sweet spot discovery guide is included as well as helpful insights to decode your kid’s code. This book would be a good read for anyone who feels stuck in the day-to-day aspects of life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Kristen Anderson

Life, In Spite of Me was a gripping story of Kristen Anderson’s journey through life, attempted suicide, and the restoration brought through the grace and work of God. Anderson grabs the reader with her story, actively drawing them in to her experiences. Through it all, God is exalted and His redemptive work is exemplified. This is a great book to read, but be aware it deals with a very serious topic – attempted suicide.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but the opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Every Single Woman's Battle

Every Single Woman’s Battle: Guarding Your Heart and Mind Against Sexual and Emotional Compromise was an easy to read book about a challenging topic. Best done with a small group, this book tackled a hard subject and Ethridge did not shy away from asking the hard questions. Readers should approach this book with an open mind and a willingness to evaluate their thoughts and actions when it comes to sexual and emotional compromise. A compilation of quotes from Every Woman’s Battle and Every Man’s Battle are included throughout and wisdom is graciously shared. Please be aware that this is a workbook.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but the opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Untamed: How the Wild Side of Jesus Frees Us to Live and Love with Abandon by Lisa Harper

In this book, Harper considers the ways in which our Savior is wildly: redemptive, unsettling, devoted, tough, compelling, pro-women, confident, confrontational, unconventional, attentive, faithful, fearsome, and liberating. Whew! What a good read this book was! If you’re ready to be stretched and to have your “normal” view of God expanded, pick up this book. At times I felt that the language used was a little too modern (it seemed like a stretch in an effort to sound cool), but overall I liked the book.

Please note: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but the opinions expressed in this post are mine.

The Waiting Place: Learning to Appreciate Life’s Little Delays by Eileen Button

Eileen Button may be one of the best story tellers I have ever encountered. The way she draws the reader in and creates dynamic, vivid word pictures is astounding. I found myself time and time again feeling like I was there, right in the middle of whatever scene she was describing or the story she was recounting. The Waiting Place covered a variety of “waiting” seasons people often encounter. This book was easy and enjoyable to read and really gave me a lot to think about and contemplate. We’re all waiting for something, aren’t we? I will certainly be recommending this book to my friends.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me: A Memoir … of Sorts by Ian Morgan Cron

I was disappointed with Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me. The description and title caught my attention, but the book failed to keep it. In the book, Cron details the rollercoaster that was his life – in a mostly true format. The book was an okay read, but I really had to push through the rough beginning to get to the better content. Cron’s writing style was not my favorite, but other readers may really like it. Personally, I would be hesitant to recommend this book to others. This book was not a favorite of mine.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

JOLT! Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing by Phil Cooke

In JOLT!, Phil Cooke covers twenty five different “jolts.” He looks at five different categories of jolts – jolt your direction, jolt what matters, jolt your potential, jolt your heart, and jolt your future. This book challenges readers to break free of the norm and pursue their dreams and to appropriately handle the curveballs life throws. It is written in a down to earth way, but conveys a powerful, encouraging message. Statistics are incorporated throughout the book which adds to the credibility of the “jolts.” I really liked how quotes were used as well to drive a point home. Overall, I found this book challenging in its message, but worth the read. In the uncertain times in which we live, being prepared to adapt to changes is essential.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”