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.