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Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Quotable Roque, Edited by Matt Lewis





The secondary title is descriptive for this nonfiction book: "The Ideals of Sarah Palin in Her Own Words". As the main title suggests, this is a book of quotes from Sarah Palin. Quotes taken from the campaign trail, interviews, Palin's facebook page, etc.

Topis include: Aborotion, Real America, Living in Alaska, the Goodness of Americans, Barack Obama, Being Governor of Alaska, Being Sarah, Foriegn Policy, Crime, Faith, Taxes, etc. This book is a short read, for obvious reasons. This is strictly a "pro Sarah Palin" book that only uses quotes, or even part of quotes, that put Palin in a favorable light. The media -or "elite media" has been accused of taking statements Palin made out of context. This book is more of the same.

I have an idea. This book claims to be Sarah Palin "in her own words". Instead of reading bits of quotes from this book, such as from the Katie Couric interviews, why not watch the entire Couric interview - it can still be found on the internet. Not only would you hear Palin speak in her own words (All OF THEM), but you can also evaluate her by her body language and demeanor.

I would not recommend this book to anyone. It does little to give an accurate account of Palin's quotes - just being edits from interviews and speeches that show Palin only in a favorable light. In fact, to even suggest this book is a book of "quotes", implying a book of great quotes, is ridiculous and certainly misleading.

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.”

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Hell, Rob Bell, and What Happens When People Die by Bobby Conway




Applause! Applause! Applause!!!! Bobby Conway does an excellent job proving Rob Bell's recent best seller, "Love Wins" is nothing more than unbiblical wishful thinking. Bobby Conway completely resolves questions regarding hell and what happens when people die, as well. Backed with Biblical references, Bobby Conway demonstrates the false hope that Rob Bell has spewed in "Love Wins".

Many people are being deceived and mislead by Rob Bell and others like him who water down the Gospels. This is a must read for anyone who truly wants to follow Christ and the Great Commission and challenge those who have false beliefs about hell and what Christianity is really about. The Emergent Church must be challenged and exposed for the false hopes and beliefs it promotes.

"Hell, Rob Bell and What Happens When People Die" not only challenges and exposes Rob Bell for his unbiblical views that promote false hope, but can also be a resource to expose other authors who, unfortunately, have gained a lot of ground in spewing unbiblical theology and false hope. For example, this book can show how the best seller, "The Shack" is perversed, misguded and simply false.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is a must read that is short and to the point. No fluff in this book- only the Gospel truth!

I received this ebook for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This in no way influenced my review.

40 Days Without Food: Divine Goodness to a Starving Soul by Russ Masterson




This is basically a diary of a man's journey to fast for 40 days. Honestly, I felt the first three quarters of the book was dominated by negativity. I kept thinking, "they always say, if you do not give joyfully, then don't give at all". Masterson's constant complaining about not wanting to do the fast he felt God called him to do overshadowed bits of wisdom he wrote about from the Bible and from others. It was hard to do, but I managed to finish the book.

I did not like the book for a variety of reasons. First, as I explained above, the first three quarters were dominated with negativity to the point I felt the author was literally whining about doing a fast he did not want to do. The end of the book discusses fasting. It would have been better had he taken the postitive attitude he conveyed when he discussed fasting and Chrisitianity.

Second, the book seems to convey that if you fast for 40 days all of your hearts desires will be fulfilled. The author got his dream job; fabulous vacationing; apparently the money and means to do whatever he wanted. I don't know if the author believes he was rewarded by God this way for his fasting, but the author does not address this in his discussion about fasting and Christianity.

I would not recommend this book. Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this ebook for me to review. This in no way influenced my review.

Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson and Susy Flory




The true and phenominal story of Michael Hingson's experience escaping the World Trade Center as the World Trade Center was destroyed by terrorists on 9/11. Moreover, Hingson has incorporated his life stories, as it was certainly "flashing before his eyes" while he escaped, wondering if he would make it out alive. Mr. Hingson is a truly fascinating, talented and determined man. Born blind, Hingson explains how he grew up without feeling disabled. This book is not only a first hand account of 9/11, but of living blind without being limited or defined as disabled. Very inspirational.

The writing style makes you feel as if you are there during the 9/11 events. This has become one of my favorite books for a variety of reasons. Mr. Hingson has his own quote at the beginning of the last chapter, "God does not present insurmountable problems. Instead, he give us challenges, waits for us to overcome them, and then rejoices." This quote goes a long way in describing this fantastic book. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Not only for those who would like to know what it was like to be in the midst of 9/11, but for everyone who experiences challenges in life - challenges that can become discouraging. This book is inspiring and shows courage and determination to defy being labeled as disabled. My gosh, he actually taught himself to ride a bicycle!!! and much more!!! I've never read anything that really demonstrated how you can overcome anything!

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.”

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Rumors of God by Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson




A well thought out book on how Christianity should be. The United States is rapidly becoming nonreligious. Can we change that? This book addresses a myriad of issues that plaque the Church and Christians. If only we all read an implemented the ideals from this insightful book. In today's age, the authors' accurately note that Christians are thought of as judgemental. Is Christianity supposed to be judgemental? No. What happened to grace, and even more, what is grace? What is forgiveness? These concepts and much more is addressed and explored.

Through real life examples and Scripture, the authors present a picture of what Church and community should really be like. Unfortunately, it seems to only be "rumors" here in the United States. This book has the potential to change that and I certainly hope this book becomes a national best seller.

I like the book because it offers great insight and hope for a better United States that can be easily recognized as Christian. Recognized for what God wants us to be. It also includes a study guide that covers each of the chapters. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Churches should utilize the book and study guide in their congregations.

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.”

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Why God Won't Go Away by Alister McGrath

The subtitle to this book is more descriptive of what it is about: "Is the New Atheism Running on Empty?" I had never heard of the New Atheism. The author does an excellent job explaining what the New Atheism is and even compares it to atheism. The author analyzes New Atheism and reveals its flaws. This is not a book that debates Christianity versus New Atheism, but it does provide a Christian with solid foundation to confront New Atheism.

Yet, the author also explores the rise and what appears to be the pending fall of New Atheism. It appears that it will be a short lived movement that, in my opinion, simply spews hate at all religions. As the book reveals, New Atheism is an embarrassment to atheism and simply ridicules religion and is also mean spirited. New Atheism seems to base it's reasoning simply on insults. New Atheism will most likely come to an end in the near future. The author has thoroughly researched New Atheism and has notes to original sources to back up quotes and conclusions.

Even so, this book can also create a foundation to refute atheism, too. It's a valuable source for Christians who confront atheists. The author covers arguments that form the basis of atheism, such as scientific proof. I hadn't put a lot of thought into scientific proof before I read this book, but the author is right on point as to how much science has really proved. (Not a lot - mostly relying on theories.) I recommend this book to anyone who confronts atheism, especially those who confront the New Athiesm. The author included an incident that really shows that God is involved and can use everything for His purpose. A person who had read a book on New Atheism was so appalled that he felt compelled to explore Chrisitianity. The person said he never would have considered Christianity if it wasn't for the book because the book was so one-sided. The result? He became a Christian.

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.”

Friday, July 1, 2011

Love At Last Sight by Kerry & Chris Shook

This is an incredibly valuable book to strengthen and deepen all relationships in your life. Whether it's your spouse, family or friends - this book has the answers to creating long lasting and meaningful relationships. The second title, "30 days to grow and deepen your closet relationships" is right on target. I wish everyone would read this book and apply the principles the authors teach. The world would be a much better place.

This book is organized into four categories, corresponding with four weeks in a month. I suggest not rushing through it and taking the full thirty days to absorb the valuable information that can make all of your relationships so much more meaningful and fulfilling.

Week 1 is titled, "The Art of Being All There"
Daily readings discuss how to be all there: in the moment; on a deeper level; during conflict; no matter what; in tough times; and, before it's too late.

Week 2 is titled, "The Art of Acting Intentionally"
Daily readings discuss how to act intentionally: thinking ahead; stepping out; creating space; going beyond surface issues; getting unstuck; and, giving encouragement.

Week 3 is titled, "The Art of Risking Awkwardnesss"
Daily readings discuss how to risking awkwardness: of asking; of revealing your heart; of putting actions before feelings; of expressing anger; of making changes; and, of unity.

Week 4 is titled, "The Art of Letting Go"
Daily readings discuss how to let go: of hurt; of insecurity; of pride; of guilt; of selfishness; of unrealistic expectations; and, of shadows.

From real life examples and examples taken from the Bible, the authors clearly illustrate all of these principles. This is a must read for EVERYONE. I sincerely believe the world would be much better place - not to mention so much improvement in everyones' life, if everyone would read this book. Easy to read and understand, this is the book of the year!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This in no way influenced my review.