This Thing of Ours

Cammy Franzese has an interesting - and potentially powerful - story to tell. The book is meant to be about how faith saved a marriage that was torn apart when Michael Franzese (Cammy's husband) was put in prison for mafia-related crimes.

The thing is, I found comparatively little about faith throughout the book. Yes, there are references to prayer, and passing mentions of faith, but not much attention is actually given to the process (or perhaps, transformation) of faith. The bulk of the book seems to dwell on the hardships of having a husband in prison and on what a trooper she was for sticking it out in the marriage. While I admire and respect her commitment to her marriage, that seems to really be the overshadowing point of the book.

The writing style also, was not easy to read. It seemed very impersonal and the story jumped from one point to the next, touching only briefly on the emotional aspect of the various situations. It almost seems like the story was written by a ghost writer who had little to no emotional connection to the story or its key characters.

I don't like to give low ratings, but this book left me unimpressed. I love a good biography or memoir, but I was disappointed by this one.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Relentless

I was excited to read this book, but ended up being quite disappointed in it. The premise of the book is great – rehashed by author after author, but great. The point is, rise above adversity, don’t give up, Christians are meant to thrive. This book makes bold claims about offering a “paradigm shift” and “new mindset,” but I found neither.

Bevere seems to be promoting something like a “prosperity gospel” (at least to my understanding of it). His “success stories” tend to be along the lines of fame and fortune as an indicator of success or accomplishment. I just can’t agree with that outlook.

The vast majority of Christian heroes are those who never achieved fame or fortune. From the early apostles to modern missionaries, many who have wholeheartedly committed themselves to God have faced hardship and struggle. This doesn’t mean that they were not “successful” or that they should have been more “relentless.” On the contrary, I think what is outstanding is their ability to be “relentless” in following God through the hardship. To put those who have achieved worldly success as his prime examples is, I think, promoting an imbalance in priorities.

Some of the book is good. It’s an encouragement to strive for more, to not “settle.” However, Bevere’s definition of success (at least what I took from this book) left me with an unpleasant aftertaste.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

The 360 Degree Leader

Yet another helpful leadership book from John Maxwell. As with all his books, I left this one with plenty to put into practice immediately.

It's an easy book to read and understand. While I felt that much of the material was recycled from previous work, what I did like about this book was that it really compiles his leadership advice into one concise book.

Section one covers common myths of middle management.

Section two covers challenges that leaders face.

Sections three through five cover principles of leading up, leading across, and leading down.

Section six covers the value of a 360 degree leader.

I felt it was a very comprehensive look at leadership, and could be a great starting point for anyone starting out as a leader at any level.

My Life and Lesser Catastrophes

This book was stunningly honest. It is a very intimate look into the life of a heart touched by tragedy and facing unfamiliar doubts and fears. It's a story of finding faith in the midst of sorrow, and hope in the midst of despair.

In spite of the tough subject matter, this story is incredibly positive. Through the stunning and sudden catastrophes the author has faced comes a faith that is deeper and more solid.

Untested faith is no faith at all. It is when you are shaken to your core that your faith is truly tested. At that point of ultimate testing, when we have nothing left of ourselves, that is when faith grows.

This is a beautiful account, and I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me free of charge by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. They didn't require a positive review, so everything I've said here is my own opinion.

To Have and To Hold

I read this book as it was the first that was offered to me through a book reviewer program. It's not exactly my style, so I likely won't offer as favorable a review as some others.

I didn't like: The plot was about as predictable as a Hardy Boys novel, with a smattering of romance thrown in. I had the story line predicted and key characters pegged correctly from about the third chapter.

I liked: The authors obviously did their research. Real people and places are woven in nicely with the fictional.

Overall, I'd recommend this book for a young teen audience. It's a decent, wholesome read, and it could potentially be a springboard for discussion.

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me free of charge by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. They didn't require a positive review, so everything I've said here is my own opinion.

Sherman

This is one book in a series of six, called "The Generals." It's a series about leaders who stood out in history. What I found interesting is that the author wrote very objectively - painting a complete picture of the good, the bad, and the ugly - while highlighting the traits that made the man a great leader.

The book design is stunning - absolutely gorgeous. I don't usually make note of that, but the books in this series are just beautifully done.

This book is a brief (yet fairly comprehensive) look at the life of a great leader, and a brilliant, yet tortured soul.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

As Silver Refined

The message of this book is an important one: God can use the tragedies and disappointments in life to refine us, to make us better, and to draw us closer to Him - if we allow Him to. It's a message about God's sovereignty and His trustworthiness, no matter what we may be facing.

I agree with the message, and it's something I try to live. When we can reach the point where Jesus is enough, then all else falls into its proper perspective. Difficulty, and loss - while painful - become bearable, because we can trust that they come from a loving Hand.

Unfortunately, I had a tough time reading this book. It's long on instruction and short on examples. Kay is a good teacher and she consistently points readers to supporting scripture; however, it would have been nice to read more personal accounts.

The last 80 pages of the book is a study guide.

Granted, I'm at a peaceful point in my life right now. I'm not facing any great difficulties. I do think that this is a book I will come back to in the future, as some books only really speak to you when you're in a certain place spiritually or emotionally.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

The Bone House

Hurrah! Part two!!

IMPORTANT: The Bone House is the second book of the Bright Empire series by Stephen Lawhead. It's important to read the first (The Skin Map) before going on to this one. It's a somewhat complex plot and the foundation is laid out in the first book. So if you haven't read The Skin Map, you'll likely be confused by the story.

The Bone House is another success for Stephen Lawhead. This author manages to weave science and history into fantasy, and create a plot that's altogether fascinating.

I highly recommend this book - but make sure you read The Skin Map first.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

The Canary List

This is the first I’ve read of Sigmund Brouwer, and I did enjoy it. Brouwer is a good writer, and I’d consider reading some of his other work. This book though, seemed a little overly simplified at times – perhaps as if it was written for a teen audience? - but it kept a decent pace for the most part, and it kept me interested. The main characters were enjoyable and realistic, and the dialog (for the most part) flowed well.

The plot line at first glance seems to be another “Evil Catholic Church Conspiracy;” however, while it does involve a conspiracy that does go all the way to the Pope, this book isn’t another “DaVinci Code.”

Unfortunately, this book (to me) presents the Catholic Church in a negative light. It seemed every Catholic (and the Church as a whole) in this story was cast in a negative way.

I am not Catholic, but I don’t agree with the current trend of using the Catholic Church as fodder for sensationalistic plots. Many (dare I say, most) in the Catholic Church are well-meaning, upstanding people trying to do their best for God. Yes, there are some messed up folks. Yes, some wrongs have been covered up – and I don’t agree with that. But I think authors ought to start picking other villains.

Last comment: it’s important for people to realize that this is Religious Fiction, so while it’s not overly religious, it does deal with the questions of good and evil, God and the Devil. As Christian fiction though, “The Canary List” does provide some good, thought-provoking reading and an enjoyable plot.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Love You More

A candid and beautiful look into the life of an adopting parent. I really enjoyed this book, and it confirmed more than ever my desire to adopt.

Jennifer Grant courageously tackles the huge variety of problems, emotions, sorrows and joys that come with adopting a child. She speaks openly of the opposition and criticism she faced at times - not only from strangers, but from family and friends.

But more than anything, what shines through in this book is her deep love for all her children - both her natural children, and Mia - her adopted Guatemalan daughter. This is a book not only on adoption, but on what it means to be a parent.

I really do recommend this book to anyone considering becoming a parent either through traditional means, or through adoption.

Water's Edge

I got this book because the author was compared to John Grisham and the book touted as a fast paced legal thriller. Honestly, it was ok, but really slow-paced. It wasn't the kind of book that kept me coming back to read.

It tells the story of a young up-and-coming lawyer who loses his father, his job and his girlfriend all in the space of a few weeks. As his life falls apart he discovers a faith and connection with God that carries him through and sets his life on a new path.

He returns to his home town to shut down his father's practice, but ends up tangled in a mess of theft, lies, and intrigue.

It's interesting enough, and it has a good message, so if you're a fan it's worth the read.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Primal

I read with a highlighter, so my one complaint about this book: It seems to be printed on cheaper paper. I had to be extremely careful to press lightly with my pen or the ink would go straight through the page. But that's on the publisher's end.

Mark Batterson has written another fantastic and motivating book. After reading "Wild Goose Chase" and "In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day," I was excited to read this new book - and it didn't disappoint.

This book is a call to get back to the core of discipleship - the Great Commandment. Batterson puts it very well when he says that "Christians are more known for what we're against than what we're for."

The Great Commandment says nothing about "thou shalt not." It simply says to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. If Christians really lived their lives by this Great Commandment, we would once again be making a difference in the world. Christianity would be a force for good, rather than an excuse for war and violence.

Read this book and live what it says.

Why God Won't Go Away

I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this book. I chose to review it solely on the strength of the subject matter. I'm pleased to say that it ended up being absolutely fascinating. I read the whole thing through on my own, and then immediately started again from the beginning, reading aloud to my husband.

Many books that deal with topics such as this end up being extremely heady - often more than necessary. Alister McGrath has written a fantastic response to "New Atheism" that is both comprehensive and highly readable.

He combines a strong faith and intellect with dry wit, and clever phrasing. He methodically tackles many of the arguments put forth by the most prominent among New Atheists, yet he does so with characteristic respect and charity.

It's a surprisingly short book - which I appreciated. McGrath sticks to the point and doesn't get caught up in unnecessary argument, yet (very successfully, in my opinion) builds his case and presents his evidence.

It's not a book for everyone - simply because not everyone is going to be interested in the subject matter. I, however, do give this book my highest recommendation.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

A Place Called Blessing

While this book had some "Lifetime Movie" moments, the message and story were fantastic. John Trent and Annette Smith have written a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness that is (sadly) too true to life.

For the past several months I have volunteered at a juvenile treatment facility and heard story after story so like this one - yet without the happy ending, without the redemption.

I look forward to reading John Trent's book The Blessing. I think it's a message this world needs to hear. There are so many hurting people out there who need a blessing - who need forgiveness and acceptance and unconditional love.

I highly recommend this book.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

The Waiting Place

This was a beautiful book. I read it like a devotional - a chapter or two a day - however it reads like a novel and was absolutely enjoyable, uplifting and well-written. It came along at a perfect time in my life, as I'm in the "Waiting Place" in many ways.

Eileen Button writes in a charming, personal and completely candid way, detailing experiences and feelings throughout her life as, time and again, she finds herself in "The Waiting Place."

Scenarios range from waiting for fish to bite, all the way to waiting for a loved one to pass away; but in each one, Button shows the hand of God working through the period of waiting.

I highly recommend this book to anyone facing delays, disruptions and upset plans. Through Button's experiences you may just find that God is working in your own life - and you may come to appreciate the waiting places too.

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me

This book is hands-down one of the best books I've read this year. Ian Cron's style is reminiscent of Frank McCourt's - another favorite of mine. He tells a story so fraught with disappointment and sadness, yet proves God's hand throughout. He has taken his potentially depressing life story and turned it into something amazing, uplifting, and absolutely enjoyable.

The book crackles with energy and wit. Every page is filled with clever metaphors and amusing allusions to the Bible. Cron pokes fun at established "religion," yet writes with the deepest respect and devotion to a living God.

I don't often give a five-star rating, but that's what Ian Cron's memoir deserves. It's a beautiful story with a beautiful message, and I highly recommend it.

The Seraph Seal

This book is a fast-paced thriller, based on the Book of Revelation. Lori does a great job of weaving a tale, building credible, enjoyable characters and a plot that keeps the pages turning.

The story (if you hadn't already gathered) is apocalyptic, and takes place in the future, presenting a world where humanity is dealing with the consequences of its mistakes.

The apocalyptic theme is one much-used, but Lori manages to put a fresh spin on it and has put out a pretty good story.

I did enjoy this book, and only give it four stars because it tended to be a bit too heady for me at certain points.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Nick of Time

This book was just plain fun to read. I've done a lot of heavier reading lately, so this was a nice change.

It's the story of Nick Polchak, the "Bug Man." Apparently there's a whole series of "Bug Man" books - which I may look into getting after reading this one.

Anyway, Nick's a forensic etymologist - kind of a weird guy. But he's found someone as weird as him - Alena, who trains dogs to sniff out human remains. They've hit it off so well (obviously, in a previous novel), that they're getting married. That's where the story begins -a couple days before their wedding.

Just a few days before the wedding, Nick gets called off to help with a case in Philadelphia - where he discovers . that his friend has been murdered. And rather than returning to his fiancée, Nick starts following the trail of evidence.

The story is fast-paced and really quite enjoyable. It's comfortable reading for when you need some down-time, but has enough twists and turns to keep you interested. I think I read the entire book in one sitting.

I'm giving this book four stars because while it's a fun read, it's not outstanding. However, it's certainly enjoyable and I do recommend it.

Unleashed

I just finished reading Unleashed by Erwin McManus. The man is a gifted writer and he knows how to drive a point home - the point in this book being "God created you so that your life would count, not so that you could count the days of your life."

Don't read this book if you want to stay comfortable. It'll kick you right out of your groove and into actually living your faith. It's a book about discipleship - not comfortable religion. It's a book about taking risks, stepping out and actually doing something with your life.

Just a note for long-time McManus readers: This book is not a new book. It is a renamed reprint of The Barbarian Way.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Heart of Ice

Apparently, Heart of Ice is the third in a series of books by Lis Wiehl (The Triple Threat Novels). I didn't realize this when I ordered the book, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of this one. I always enjoy a good thriller, and this one's definitely a page-turner. Every time I had a free moment, I'd sneak back and read a couple pages. This is the first of Lis Wiehl's books I've read, and I'm glad to say I was not disappointed.

The story follows Elizabeth Avery (gorgeous gym instructor and manipulative psychopath), as she wedges her way into the "Triple Threat Club" - Cassidy Shaw (crime reporter), Nicole Hedges (FBI agent), and Allison Pierce (federal prosecutor). This book starts off at a fast pace and doesn't let up.

This book is well researched and well written. I'm definitely gonna have to get the first two if they're anything like this one.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Love & Respect

This book by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs puts forth the one major concept that I feel is lacking in many marriages today. It's a conclusion that my husband and I had finally come to - though not in these exact terms - so reading it so clearly put really helped solidify and strengthen things in our marriage.

I feel that every married couple would benefit from reading and applying these principles. If husbands reached out in unconditional love, speaking and acting in love, wives would respond with greater respect. If wives gave unconditional respect, speaking and acting in respectful ways, husbands would respond with greater love. It's a cycle that actually works and that I have seen first hand in my own marriage.

This isn't about "submission" or about anyone being "in control" in a marriage. It is simply about the built-in needs of a man and a woman, and how to best meet those needs.

To anyone who is hesitant about trying these ideas, or who feels that there's a great risk involved, I would say TRY IT. I promise that you will see and feel the good results.

Reading Goals for 2011

My reading goals for 2011 are as follows:

- Thinking With Type, by Ellen Lupton
- The Elements of Typographic Style, by Robert Bringhurst
- Good to Great, by Jim Collins
- Logo Design Workbook, by Adams Morioka
- Design Elements, by Timothy Samara

If I can fully grasp the principles presented in these books by the end of the year, I'll be one happy camper. If I can take those principles and properly apply them to my design, I'll be absolutely giddy.

Wish me luck!

Love on Assignment

I often enjoy historical romance, and that's what I assumed I was getting with this book. The story is set in 1900 Rhode Island. Charlotte Hale, an aspiring reporter is sent to investigate Daniel Wilmont - a professor, and more importantly, a columnist for a local paper. Daniel's column directly attacks many business practices of the day, and the big businessmen aren't happy about it.

Charlotte goes undercover as a nanny for Daniel's children, as she tries to dig up some dirt on him. Instead, she ends up finding God.

It's a sweet story, and mildly amusing, but poorly written. Much of the language - as well as other aspects of the story - don't accurately reflect the time period. This made it hard for me to read. I didn't particularly enjoy this book, I'm sorry to say.

However, it seems that it could be a good book to use with young teenagers, as it does pose some interesting discussion topics on choices, moral standards, and integrity. In this respect, I would recommend it.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.