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.