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.