Viral Revival

In Viral, Leonard Sweet takes the time to look at two prominent groups of individuals. He terms them Gutenbergers and Googlers and the difference between them is how they relate to one another.

While Gutenbergers primarily work with understanding words and their meaning via academic means, Googlers work with others to decipher meaning. Googlers are more in motion as opposed to static.

I found it a bit difficult at first to get into Sweet's writing, however as the book progressed, I found it easier as the flow picked up. Within the Christian church, as culture has evolved, we've often been left 'behind the times.' It's important to be with the times as culture evolves in order to reach out and touch others more.

I find it important to mention that while the Googler era can bring connection, it's not necessarily a great way to 'reach out' to others. It certainly has a time and a place, but it is not something that one should live their life by.

In today's age and society, living virtually can consume an individual, they can lose themselves to a second life, forgetting the big world outside and around them. While Sweet seemed inclined to lean towards the Googler group, I appreciated his willingness and attempt to engage both sides as opposed to heavily endorsing or loathing one. All too often we concern ourselves with whether or not Jesus would do a particular thing, perhaps instead of asking if Jesus would have a Facebook we should consider how Jesus would use His Facebook?

For a well thought out book, I give Viral by Leonard Sweet 4/5 stars. You should take time to read this book if you seek to better understand Gutenbergers or Googlers. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

Ruth and Bo(az)

Ruth's Redemption. When I saw the name to the novel by Marlene Banks, I was instantly intrigued. Since the book was by Moody Press, I thought it might have some parallels to the story of Ruth and Boaz, especially after a quick glance at the back showed another main character in the story by the name of Bo.

Marlene Banks did well to craft her story. I found that the flow of the story for the majority of the book was appropriately paced. I further enjoyed her integration with the Nat Turner rebellion. I always enjoy a piece of historical fiction that is mindful of the mindset of the area in which it resides. There is good historical fiction and bad historical fiction. As long as the author researches properly, the story will be a success.

This for me is what drives the success of Marlene Bank's novel. If anything, my only critique was that it was not long enough. I found the end to be a bit rushed as we began to wrap up the story, however in a way there might not have been much to say.

The similarity to Ruth and Boaz was really the theme of the entire novel for me. I enjoyed the parallel story. It's for this reason that I give Ruth's Redemption 5/5 stars and suggest each of you take the time to read this story.

I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in return for my honest review.

A Bountiful Read

When I heard of a new impending release by Tessa Afshar, I was excited. Biblical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, and after reading her previous book, A Pearl in the Sand, I expected a great story. I was not disappointed as I saw the creation of a strong character in Sarah who provided a look at what could have been.   If you are familiar at all with the Biblical story of Esther, this is situated right after the death of Queen Esther, King Xerxes, and is during the time of King Artaxerxes and his Queen Damaspia. There is little mentioned on this time, so a lot of creative license can be taken.   Sarah is immediately someone a reader can relate to, a scared girl who wonders if she is valued, loved. We all deal with that inadequacy, wondering if we lack something. Afshar’s take on this character as well as her handling of the delicate issue of being a female scribe in a job that is commonly held by a man is refreshing.   I picked this book up at 6pm and did not place it down until I’d finished reading it, something around 10pm. It was not a short book, but it was one I found hard to place down. With engaging characters and dynamic storylines, Afshar immerses her readers in the world of which she writes, a world that leaves us wanting for more, even when the story ends.   If you enjoy Biblical Fiction, this is a book you will not want to miss. For that reason I am giving Afshar’s book 5 out of 5 stars for what I consider an excellent addition to the genre of Biblical Fiction.   I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in return for my honest review.

More than Enough

Psalm 23 is one of my all-time favorite Chapters of the Bible. It's also the first one I memorized all the way back in second grade. Seeing this book and the picture on the cover really made me interested in reading it.

All too often I get caught up in the day to day minutiae. In his book, Tony Evans reminds that God is more than enough. Whenever I read Psalm 23 before, I never really unpacked it to go into as much depth as Evans did. However it's true. David's God, that same God is with us now. He leads us better and more capably than we could lead ourselves.

Each chapter in God is more than enough is about one of the verses, looking at the words and their contextual meaning. This was an incredibly easy read, 70 pages in length.

Based on content and topic. I am happy to give this book 4/5 stars. I would definitely recommend it to individuals who find themselves getting overwhelmed. Remember that all we have in God is MORE than enough.

The title of this book reminded me of Enough, by Chris Tomlin. I hope you enjoy listening to the song as you read this book as much as I did. Remember, that God is always enough.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Multnomah Publishers for reviewing it.

The Jesus Mission - A Call to Action

 
If there was ever a book that kicked me in the gut just how far removed I was, it was this one. It's hard to be confronted with your own failings, or rather just how misguided you are. The Jesus Mission, was a wake-up call for me and it did so by taking a look into Jesus' life and what made it unique, what missions that were given to us during His time on Earth.

I must admit, when I sat down to this book I was skeptical, after all, just what could this 'Jesus Mission' be about. I knew that He came here to save us, to die on the cross, to show us His example. This book touches on these points but goes beyond. Providing a thought provoking and convincing argument for belief in Christ, as well as fulfilling and living out the missions.

It's not enough to believe. Your belief should spur you to action, should cause you to take up the missions that Christ has assigned to us.

The author was very repetitive in his attempt to convey his message. This is not a bad thing, however for some this style may be a bit annoying. I found it refreshing and appreciated being reminded of different points, especially the important ones.

For those of you who think you know Jesus' mission for us, I invite you to read this book, to explore the reasoning and logic used by Scott to refresh and renew your relationship with Christ.

For what does it prosper a man if he gains the world but loses his soul...

This genre is not one I read as much, however I've been trying to more often of late. On the basis of the writing, the scripture quoted, and the overall feel of the book I will give this book 4/5 stars. I found it engaging and thought provoking, a good book to read with friends and discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group 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."

This Scarlet Cord - Joan Wolf - An Interesting Portrayal

Rahab, a Canaanite related to Christ has always been a bit of a mystery for readers. Little is devoted to her beyond the fact that she hid two Israelite spies which resulted in her and her family being saved. Just who is Rahab, and why was she saved? How did she come to believe in Yahweh enough to save the Israelite spies?

This is the premise of what This Scarlet Cord attempts to explain. Just who was Rahab, and her family. How did she meet and marry into the line that would ultimately beget Boaz and Ruth among others? Wolf in her novel provides an interesting, alternative take to the story of Rahab, including a presupposition I've not seen in previous stories, as I would prefer not to make this a spoiler alert, I will say that I enjoyed the romance in this take of Rahab.

The story begins with young, innocent Rahab and an encounter that stays with her throughout the book. I really appreciated the development and background into her relationship with her future husband. The characters utilized by Wolf were easy to relate to. They had their flaws and yet their flaws could also turn out to be their redeeming quality.

Biblical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read a book in, I've had the opportunity to read books on Rahab in the past and appreciate the differences in this authors approach. On the basis of the storyline given, the characters introduced, as well as the believability of a world crafted by Wolf, I will give this book 4/5 stars. I found it hard to put down once I started and believe that many other readers will be the same.

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."

Babylon's Falling: The Story of Belteshazzar, also known as Daniyyel

 William Collin's book, Babylon's Falling was extremely well done. From start to finish, I really enjoyed this book. Our story begins right after Jerusalem's fall, and the march for all the captives that began at that time. I felt transported back in time to a world of the author's own imagining.

A good book for me has always been one that can grip and engage me, something that Babylon's Falling certainly did. The author did his research and also added in a bit of his own creativity of the time, of how things could have been. The story stayed primarily focused on Daniel, however did at times shift its attention towards his three friends and their travail in the fiery furnace.

I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the Biblical Fiction genre, especially those who have been craving yet unable to find a story on Daniel. This is, to my knowledge the best to date. Biblical Fiction is one of my favorite genre's which is why I'm always happy to see a great addition to it. I'd give this book a 5/5 stars for a well crafted, interesting, and gripping story that the reader desires to delve into and finish, something I was up late last night doing in order to get to the end of the story.

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."

Crater - Homer Hickam

When I read the cover for this book, I was excited about the potential for it, as it immediately sounded like a book I could get into. The plot for the story had potential, however reading the book I found that Crater failed to live up to potential. 

The main reasons for this were:

·      Chaotic plot progression: I did not know where I was half the time in the novel. We’d go from one character to another, or we’d jump from one plot to the next so fast you could hardly keep track.

·      Flat Characters: We’d not focus on one character enough to really get to know them. Or they’d disappear for no reason, or die rather suddenly.

·      Writing: It seemed choppy and without an apparent order of events. Almost like it was a first draft. I found a lot of transition problems amongst different chapters, characters, plot ideas…I mean at one point it was talked about arriving somewhere, then you go back and you’re attacked, then you arrive there. It just seemed out of place, especially with how it was being talked about.

In the end as much as I would like to suggest this book for further readers, I would also suggest changing and fixing some of the mistakes and the flow of this title. Teens and young readers I imagine would enjoy this title. I give Crater two out of five stars for a good idea that needs a bit more refinement.

I have received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the blogging for books 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." 

Be The People - Carol Swain

A highly engaging book, Carol Swain's Be the People offered a unique perspective to us as citizens of the United States. She takes the time to overview her perspective and the background from which she comes from, detailing her journey to today. Rather than avoiding the 'harder' topics, she engages them with a gusto and directness that I find refreshing.




It should be noted that this book is largely based upon the opinion of Carol Swain, which she's based off sources - be they the constitution, bill of rights, or other references she's cited. It is her perspective, her worldview on the topic of the Constitution and what it means to be American.

Swain argues that to be American, to BE the People, we have to go back to our roots, we have to embrace the premises upon which this country was founded in order to be stronger, in order to make progress.

This is a great book for with a religious background that is passionate for their country. I found the book to be engaging and not too long. As a result, I'm giving "Be The People" three out of five stars--simply because I believe it was a bit heavy on constitutional passages and quotations as opposed to actual book insight.

Enjoy!

I have received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review. 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the blogging for books 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."

Dahveed 4: Yahweh's Soldier by Terri Fivash

This was another excellent addition to Terri Fivash's repertoire of books. The Dahveed series has truly progressed remarkably. What I appreciated the most in this book was the political nature of what was discussed. I have to admit I always was frustrated sometimes when Dahveed would refuse to take action and at least with how it's presented here, it makes sense.

Characters are believable and given depth. Though I was a tad bit confused at times with all the back and forth amongst the 5 cities, it served to set a backdrop for Dahveeds actions there. Furthermore, the Lords plans and coming to fruition, I can see how it could have been done this way.

I wait now impatiently for the next book, this series is the best look at any of the characters surrounding this. I can only hope that we see much more to come out of Fivash as she introduces her readers to the world that was.

Surfing For God

The first part of the title of this book immediately caught me, causing me to request the book for review. Surfing for God, what follows and what was included within was a detailed description of a battle many men face at some time in their life. Being female and reading this book was interesting, as this was a male-focused book. However, I was determined to read and provide an unbiased review. Though at times a bit explicit, I feel this book does a great job at grappling with temptation, whatever the temptation may be. Even if you are not suffering from an addiction to pornography you have a lot you can learn from this. The author, Michael Cusick spoke of his experience and individuals he’d mentored to as they fought to escape the chains that ensnared them. What followed was a very practical, faith-based way to overcome addiction. Though the authors subject matter was porn, this could also be used to break free of alcohol, drug, or any other type of addiction one might suffer from. The universal truth for all those who are tempted or ensnared is that God is nearby and longs to help us to escape the rut we are in and travel the road and path He has set before us. Given the quality of work that has gone into Suring for God, I am inclined to give the title 4 out of 5 stars, what would have made it better would have been less of the graphic wording and imagery. Though I did take into account the authors intended audience, I feel that he could have left out some of the more graphic words that he used to communicate his point. I received this book for free from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Joseph - By Terri Fivash

Hands down this is my favorite book about Joseph. Fivash constructs an entire world for her readers, one which I'd not considered, with a wealth of characters and locations. It's not enough that she gives Joseph a unique 3-D function, she also does that to his supporting cast of Characters, a fact that goes a long way towards making this book so engaging. Hands down this is the best book I've ever read. I've read this book easily around 35+ times and each re-read brings to light new information or experiences.

Fivash's Joseph begins with his being thrown in the well and then being sold. His story continues with an interesting look at the Ishmaelite trader and the likely familial connection that would have been had. The motivations behind the purchase and sale, present an interesting 'could have been' for readers. Continue on with a look into the societal restraints of the day, as well as the inherently political atmosphere that regulated the daily constraints for those within Egyptian society.

If you ever take a chance to pick up this book you will be in for a treat and a surprise as there is much to learn and explore. I hope you take this chance to explore Terri Fivash's Joseph and get to know an entirely complex world and society through 460 pages that always seem to speed by once I pick up the book.