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!