I chose this book to review because I have a teen granddaughter that will enjoy reading this book and journaling. My eight year old grandson expressed interest in the games. When I read the book I could see the value of the issues covered. This book breaks down the sections in easily digestible segments. It can be read easily and comprehended with no problem. The text is very interesting yet covers issues that young people today deal with.
As a grandmother who is bringing up her grandkids, I am thrilled to find a book that we can read together and discuss. I will recommend this book to anyone who has teens or who works with teens. I think it will be an invaluable addition to any library.
This book was donated for the purpose of an honest review.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman
This book was provided for review by Waterbook Multnoman Publishing Group.
Tragedy strikes the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother abandons her husband and four daughters. The daughters are now grown and still bear confusion of why she left. Vada is the oldest and has had to take on the task of protecting her younger sisters. She must also be the confidant to her father lovingly called Doc.
By day she was the errand runner for the Cleveland fledgling amateur orchestra. Her strait laced lawyer suitor was in the orchestra. At night she kept company with him. Her life had taken on a routine and heavy with the responsibilities of her family.
The family's life changed when the Brooklyn Bridegrooms came to town to play the Cleveland Spiders. A stray ball hit a spectator in the head knocking him unconscious. Since Doc was the local doctor, the unconscious man was brought to the Allenhouse house for treatment.
Vada's heart is torn between her steady but passionless suitor and a "man of the world" ballplayer. We are taken on the ride of confusion and self-imposed guilt Vada struggled with. Her three sisters are also thrown into emotional whirlwinds as they also struggle with the attention given to them by the visiting ballplayers.
This is only one conflict that these sisters must struggle with. Ms. Pittman deftly and effectively explores the complex inner workings of both familial relationships and the emotions that can come to the surface for young women just embarking on their life's journey.
I enjoyed reading this book and will read other books by Allison Pittman. I will pass this book along to family and friends and recommend it.
Tragedy strikes the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother abandons her husband and four daughters. The daughters are now grown and still bear confusion of why she left. Vada is the oldest and has had to take on the task of protecting her younger sisters. She must also be the confidant to her father lovingly called Doc.
By day she was the errand runner for the Cleveland fledgling amateur orchestra. Her strait laced lawyer suitor was in the orchestra. At night she kept company with him. Her life had taken on a routine and heavy with the responsibilities of her family.
The family's life changed when the Brooklyn Bridegrooms came to town to play the Cleveland Spiders. A stray ball hit a spectator in the head knocking him unconscious. Since Doc was the local doctor, the unconscious man was brought to the Allenhouse house for treatment.
Vada's heart is torn between her steady but passionless suitor and a "man of the world" ballplayer. We are taken on the ride of confusion and self-imposed guilt Vada struggled with. Her three sisters are also thrown into emotional whirlwinds as they also struggle with the attention given to them by the visiting ballplayers.
This is only one conflict that these sisters must struggle with. Ms. Pittman deftly and effectively explores the complex inner workings of both familial relationships and the emotions that can come to the surface for young women just embarking on their life's journey.
I enjoyed reading this book and will read other books by Allison Pittman. I will pass this book along to family and friends and recommend it.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville
Respect is the music the
deaf can hear and
the blind can see.
Unknown
Veteran journalist; sought after lecturer; and best-selling author, Deborah Norville calls the power of respect the most forgotten element of success. With scientific research, a common sense approach and real life anecdotes she makes a compelling case for the importance of respect in the major areas of life: Home, Relationships, School, and Business.
Many of the concepts presented in the book can be thought of as common sense; all to often these concepts are either forgotten or simply ignored. It is important to remember that all people are important and deserve respect, no matter who they are or the type of job they do for a living.
I enjoyed reading The Power of Respect because I was reminded of the many times I have failed to show respect to my own family and friends. I also gained some very good ideas on how to show my family how much respect I do have for them. I especially found the chapter on self-respect very enlightening. After all, if we cannot respect ourselves, how can we respect anyone else?
I must admit that some of the research was hard to read, I did find this book to be overall very informative.
I reviewed this book for the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers Program.
http://thomasnelson.com/
The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville
If you want to preview this book click on the book cover in my sidebar.
deaf can hear and
the blind can see.
Unknown
Veteran journalist; sought after lecturer; and best-selling author, Deborah Norville calls the power of respect the most forgotten element of success. With scientific research, a common sense approach and real life anecdotes she makes a compelling case for the importance of respect in the major areas of life: Home, Relationships, School, and Business.
Many of the concepts presented in the book can be thought of as common sense; all to often these concepts are either forgotten or simply ignored. It is important to remember that all people are important and deserve respect, no matter who they are or the type of job they do for a living.
I enjoyed reading The Power of Respect because I was reminded of the many times I have failed to show respect to my own family and friends. I also gained some very good ideas on how to show my family how much respect I do have for them. I especially found the chapter on self-respect very enlightening. After all, if we cannot respect ourselves, how can we respect anyone else?
I must admit that some of the research was hard to read, I did find this book to be overall very informative.
I reviewed this book for the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers Program.
http://thomasnelson.com/
The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville
If you want to preview this book click on the book cover in my sidebar.
Fearless by Max Lucado
When I was given a chance to review Fearless by Max Lucado I was thrilled. I have enjoyed reading his books for years. The discussion guides he provides at the ends of his books always drive home the points he makes in his books and really make me think. Fearless is no exception.
Lucado lists several commom fears but the three that top my list are: Fear of disappointing God; Fear of not having enough; and Fear of failure to protect my children. Lucado emphasizes that Jesus can erase all these fears if we will turn them over to Him.
This book is a good book to share with family and friends that are also caught up in the traps fear can place in our path. I might buy more copies but I intend to keep mine as a "reference book" to help me with the fear that might have me its grasp at any given time. The sentence "Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear." really hit home with me. It seems that each morning, if I don't spend time in God's word, a new set of worries grip me. Lucado helped me to realize that fear shows a lack of confidence in God. Because of this book, I can now turn all my worries over to God and rest assured in His love.
I give this book 5 stars because it is a thought-provoking and comforting book to read and re-read.
I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson Publishers. You can preview this book by clicking on the book in my sidebar.
Lucado lists several commom fears but the three that top my list are: Fear of disappointing God; Fear of not having enough; and Fear of failure to protect my children. Lucado emphasizes that Jesus can erase all these fears if we will turn them over to Him.
This book is a good book to share with family and friends that are also caught up in the traps fear can place in our path. I might buy more copies but I intend to keep mine as a "reference book" to help me with the fear that might have me its grasp at any given time. The sentence "Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear." really hit home with me. It seems that each morning, if I don't spend time in God's word, a new set of worries grip me. Lucado helped me to realize that fear shows a lack of confidence in God. Because of this book, I can now turn all my worries over to God and rest assured in His love.
I give this book 5 stars because it is a thought-provoking and comforting book to read and re-read.
I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson Publishers. You can preview this book by clicking on the book in my sidebar.
The Noticer by Andy Andrews
This is a very easy read but it is filled with a wonderful philosophy on perspective. It is a book that needs to be digested slowly in order to gain the full benefits of the wisdom contained in its pages.
Jones, not Mr. Jones, is a gentle old man that visits people in their darkest hours. He helps them sort out their problems by helping them gain a new perspective on the issue they are facing. He helps a couple sort through marital difficulties by explaining the different dialects of love. He helps the down-trodden and outcasts see why they are alone and depressed. He gives them tools to see their life in a new light and change this self-destructive patterns.
I enjoyed reading this book. I have read several of Andrews' books and have never been disappointed in them. This book is full of wonderful "bits of wisdom". One that has stuck with me is "whatever you focus on increases." I have often been guilty of focusing on the bad events in my life. Since reading this book I will focus on what is good in my life. I give this book five stars.
In closing, I would like to ask you a question from the book.
"How can you take the ideas presented by Jones and seek out people who may need a new perspective of their own?"
This book was reviewed through Tommy Nelson Publishing Review Program.
I hope you will read this book and see what a difference a little perspective can make.
Jones, not Mr. Jones, is a gentle old man that visits people in their darkest hours. He helps them sort out their problems by helping them gain a new perspective on the issue they are facing. He helps a couple sort through marital difficulties by explaining the different dialects of love. He helps the down-trodden and outcasts see why they are alone and depressed. He gives them tools to see their life in a new light and change this self-destructive patterns.
I enjoyed reading this book. I have read several of Andrews' books and have never been disappointed in them. This book is full of wonderful "bits of wisdom". One that has stuck with me is "whatever you focus on increases." I have often been guilty of focusing on the bad events in my life. Since reading this book I will focus on what is good in my life. I give this book five stars.
In closing, I would like to ask you a question from the book.
"How can you take the ideas presented by Jones and seek out people who may need a new perspective of their own?"
This book was reviewed through Tommy Nelson Publishing Review Program.
I hope you will read this book and see what a difference a little perspective can make.
The Language of Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
Emerson Eggerichs has uncovered the secret of communication between males and females. According to him the woman sees though pink glasses and hears through pink hearing aids while the man sees through blue glasses and hears through blue hearing aids. This difference in how the male and female speak and hear can cause much confusion in their communication. Although something is said that in itself is not meant to cause miscommunication, because the pink and the blue hearing can create confustion. This is called the "crazy cycle" and we must decode what is meant through what is said. A woman wants to feel love and a man wants to feel respect. Eggerichs tells us we must ensure that our spouse is made to feel loved/respected by what we say. If the husband's words makes the wife feel unloved she will respond in ways that, to him, seem disrespectful. This works in reverse--if she says something that makes him feel disrespected, he will respond in a way that make her feel unloved.
Eggerichs also explains the chairs/couple concept to explain this difference and what males and females must do in order to communicate with each other better. These concepts, as well as the TUFTS concept are presented in a clear, understandable way that makes them easy to internalize and use in real life.
I enjoyed this book and plan to use these concepts in my own marriage and relationships. I recommenc this book to other couples who need help in communicating with their mate.
This book was reviewed for Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Eggerichs also explains the chairs/couple concept to explain this difference and what males and females must do in order to communicate with each other better. These concepts, as well as the TUFTS concept are presented in a clear, understandable way that makes them easy to internalize and use in real life.
I enjoyed this book and plan to use these concepts in my own marriage and relationships. I recommenc this book to other couples who need help in communicating with their mate.
This book was reviewed for Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Regret Free Living by Stephen Arterburn
This book gives us tools to use to change our regrets and live regret-free. Arterburn tells us that not only must we forgive others but the biggest obstacle to the life that God plans for us is our inability to forgive ourselves. He actually relates an incident from his past to illustrate this concept. He is very open and honest in relating this major event and the process he had to go through in order to forgive himself and receive forgiveness from the other person involved in the situation. By following this process he shows the reader how much work is involved in the process but how satisfying his life became once he was able to find true self-forgiveness.
I enjoyed this book because it helped me release past regrets from my own life. In parts of the book I felt as though Arterburn was speaking directly to me Perhaps the most important and helpful information I gleaned from reading this book was when I read "don't take on more responsibilty than you actually own for a situation with another person." I have a tendency to focus on my mistakes and deceive myself into thinking I am the sole cause for a situation in my relationships. After reading this book, I will make a conscious effort to accept only my part in a problem.
This book was reviewed for Bethany House Publishers.
I enjoyed this book because it helped me release past regrets from my own life. In parts of the book I felt as though Arterburn was speaking directly to me Perhaps the most important and helpful information I gleaned from reading this book was when I read "don't take on more responsibilty than you actually own for a situation with another person." I have a tendency to focus on my mistakes and deceive myself into thinking I am the sole cause for a situation in my relationships. After reading this book, I will make a conscious effort to accept only my part in a problem.
This book was reviewed for Bethany House Publishers.
Beautiful Mess By Diamond Rio
Recently I read A Beautiful Mess, the story of Diamond Rio. For country music fans, this is a familiar name. Some of their hits include "Meet in the Middle" and "A Beautiful Mess."
This book chronicles the "ups" and "downs" of the six musicians that comprise this award winning band. I enjoyed reading this book and learning the origins of this group of talented musicians and how the band came into existence. I found it refreshing to see how the members' faith in God brought them through many tough times and their faith helped them to remain clear minded when success finally came their way. It is this faith in God that has given this band the distinction of remaining together longer than any other band. The band members have not fallen prey to the traps that other bands have found themselves ensnared: problems like power and money for instance.
Although I did find the book slow going and dry at times, I did enjoy reading it. So many times celebrities seem so much above their fans and "untouchable". I felt as though I were in a friend's living room and taking part in an honest and down-to-earth conversation.
I do recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn about some to the struggles and obstacles some of our idols go through.
This book chronicles the "ups" and "downs" of the six musicians that comprise this award winning band. I enjoyed reading this book and learning the origins of this group of talented musicians and how the band came into existence. I found it refreshing to see how the members' faith in God brought them through many tough times and their faith helped them to remain clear minded when success finally came their way. It is this faith in God that has given this band the distinction of remaining together longer than any other band. The band members have not fallen prey to the traps that other bands have found themselves ensnared: problems like power and money for instance.
Although I did find the book slow going and dry at times, I did enjoy reading it. So many times celebrities seem so much above their fans and "untouchable". I felt as though I were in a friend's living room and taking part in an honest and down-to-earth conversation.
I do recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn about some to the struggles and obstacles some of our idols go through.
Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh
I had the opportunity to read "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God" by Sheila Walsh. I read this book through Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson). In her latest book, Ms Walsh shares her personal battles with clinical depression. She relates this part of her life in order to show how trust in God will bring us through whatever circumstances we might find ourself in.
The manner she relates the stories of several "heroes of the faith" was fascinating. Through stories I have heard since childhood, I learned that there were times in their lives when they found it difficult to put their complete trust in God. This was very comforting to me since I sometimes find it difficult to trust God.
I read the book and now intend to re-read it and complete the bible study enclosed in order to further enhance my understanding of this issue. I highly recommend this book to other women who find their circumstnaces make it difficult to trust God's word.
If God's best friend, Abraham, found it difficult to trust God and God was always with him, I know that God will be with me when my faith wavers.
The manner she relates the stories of several "heroes of the faith" was fascinating. Through stories I have heard since childhood, I learned that there were times in their lives when they found it difficult to put their complete trust in God. This was very comforting to me since I sometimes find it difficult to trust God.
I read the book and now intend to re-read it and complete the bible study enclosed in order to further enhance my understanding of this issue. I highly recommend this book to other women who find their circumstnaces make it difficult to trust God's word.
If God's best friend, Abraham, found it difficult to trust God and God was always with him, I know that God will be with me when my faith wavers.
Start Here by Alex & Brett Harris
Although this book was written by and for teen, I found many of the ideas present could be used by anyone wanting to stretch themselves and get out of their "comfort zone". In fact I felt encouraged and empowered by some of the suggestions found at the end of the book.
I believe that God has a plan for each of us and, as this book shows, He will provide the means and abilities we need in order to fulfill His plans for us.
With the bad press given to teens today, it is refreshing to read about teens who are truly dedicated to God and helping other people in their community and around the world. The teens represented in this book are to be commended not only for their accomplishments but for giving God the credit and glory for them.
I recommend this book and feel it would benefit youth leaders. In fact it should be a must read for everyone who works with and influences today's young people.
This book was reviewed for RandomHouse.com where it may be purchased.
I believe that God has a plan for each of us and, as this book shows, He will provide the means and abilities we need in order to fulfill His plans for us.
With the bad press given to teens today, it is refreshing to read about teens who are truly dedicated to God and helping other people in their community and around the world. The teens represented in this book are to be commended not only for their accomplishments but for giving God the credit and glory for them.
I recommend this book and feel it would benefit youth leaders. In fact it should be a must read for everyone who works with and influences today's young people.
This book was reviewed for RandomHouse.com where it may be purchased.
A Kaleidoscope of Proverbs by Patsy Clairmont
I jumped at at the chance to read and review Kaleidoscope by Patsy Clairmont and I was not disappointed. Filled with the wit and wisdom that is a Patsy Clairmont trademark, the book was truly a blessing to me as it will be others who read it. I have always enjoyed reading the book of Proverbs because of the wisdom and instruction I hAVE found there. As Ms. Clairmont says, "it is an in-your-face" kind of book.
Ms. Clairmont has written an easy to read book but one that is filled with wonderful insights Through many personal anecdotes she explains how the passage was relevant in her life.
I have been a fan of Women of Faith speakers and writers and highly recommend this book to other fans or to anyone who enjoys an easy to read relevant book.
This book was reviewed through the Thomas Nelson (Booksneeze) review program.
Ms. Clairmont has written an easy to read book but one that is filled with wonderful insights Through many personal anecdotes she explains how the passage was relevant in her life.
I have been a fan of Women of Faith speakers and writers and highly recommend this book to other fans or to anyone who enjoys an easy to read relevant book.
This book was reviewed through the Thomas Nelson (Booksneeze) review program.
The Rewards of Simplicity: A Practical and Spiritual Approach by Pam and Chuck D. Pierce
I reviewed this book for Bethany House Publishers. I recieved this book for the purpose of an honest review.
Although this book is fairly short (194 pages), I did not find it an easy read. I am very interested in simplifying my life but found the idea of purging mental and spiritual clutter an interesting idea.
Although Pam and Chuck address the subject matter with authority, I found the book hard to follow. There seemed to be many "side streets" they went down that was both confusing and irrelevant to the topic at hand. The most memorable story to me was the one Pam told about the water damage and the experience of only having the necessities of life. This story did hit a chord with me because we can live with less stuff if we have to.
I would not recommend this book. I did not agree with the authors theologically. I am satisfied with the few useful points I was able to glean from reading the book. However, the book is not one I would pass along to my friends.
Although this book is fairly short (194 pages), I did not find it an easy read. I am very interested in simplifying my life but found the idea of purging mental and spiritual clutter an interesting idea.
Although Pam and Chuck address the subject matter with authority, I found the book hard to follow. There seemed to be many "side streets" they went down that was both confusing and irrelevant to the topic at hand. The most memorable story to me was the one Pam told about the water damage and the experience of only having the necessities of life. This story did hit a chord with me because we can live with less stuff if we have to.
I would not recommend this book. I did not agree with the authors theologically. I am satisfied with the few useful points I was able to glean from reading the book. However, the book is not one I would pass along to my friends.
Hunter's Moon by Don Hoesel
Some secrets are not made to last forever. This is what CJ Baxter found out when he was summoned back to Adelia after the death of his grandfather. Seventeen years before he had left his hometown vowing never to return. He had moved to Tennessee and had become a famous writer. But with his marriage falling apart and numerous legal issues facing him he hound his life becoming more complicated than the characters he wrote about.
His brother was about to be elected senator and a black sheep brother returning to town was not exactly what a up and coming politician needed. The long-buried secrets would definitely put an end to this career, as well as the lifestyle that had become very comfortable to the Baxter family.
This book was a surprise to me because I usually do not like political novels. However, I found this book to be much more. It covered issues of family dynamics and dysfunctions.
I will recommend this book to my family and friends because it can appeal to a wide range audience.
I reviewed this book for Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
His brother was about to be elected senator and a black sheep brother returning to town was not exactly what a up and coming politician needed. The long-buried secrets would definitely put an end to this career, as well as the lifestyle that had become very comfortable to the Baxter family.
This book was a surprise to me because I usually do not like political novels. However, I found this book to be much more. It covered issues of family dynamics and dysfunctions.
I will recommend this book to my family and friends because it can appeal to a wide range audience.
I reviewed this book for Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
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