Loud and Clear?

Mark Batterson continues living the dream with his newest book -- Whisper:  How to Hear the Voice of God.  If you like his other books, then you will probably like this one.  If you do not like his other books, you probably will not like this one either. 

The book itself is divided into two sections:  (1) the power of a whisper and (2) the seven love languages.  The first section is where he spends his time talking about how God does not always use neon signs in the sky but can speak from a whisper.  His specific starting point is form 1 Kings 19 when Elijah was in a cave running for his life and the Lord passed by that mountain.  There were thunderings and earthquakes but God was not in them -- only in the whisper.  His point is that we need to calm ourselves in order to hear what God has to say.  The second section is where Batterson starts talking about all the avenues that God can show you His will -- Scripture, desires, doors, dreams, people, promptings, and pain.

The author does have the ability to turn a phrase and offer some thought provoking aspects; yet, as I alluded to before, if you love/hate his prior books, then you will love/hate this one.  My complaint with his prior books that I have reviewed is the same here -- light on Scripture and explanation. 
I will readily admit that chapters 1, 5, 7, and 9 were solid reads (that's odd...go back and read that again if you missed it because I believe Batterson would have been proud); so let's look at what I mean about the concerns of being light on Scripture and explanation.

His chapter called "Sign Language" contains a statement that Bible is not God's primary way of speaking to us today.  That's a dangerous statement as it implies desires, people, or visions carry just as much weight (if not more as I read the book) than Scripture. These "signs" that Batterson relies upon are temporal and prone to error while God's Word is not that way.  The Bible is not simply a "check and balance" (Batterson's words not mine) but the authority upon which to live our life.  If we consult other sources first, then we are pursing a whisper that may not be the voice of God.  Thus, in the first  manner, his book is "light on Scripture."

The second manner in which Batterson is "light on Scripture" leads us into my other complaint about "light on explanation."  When the author devotes an entire chapter to dreams and visions that God uses to show us His will, well, he quotes NOT the first Biblical passage.  He makes short allusions to the Bible stories but glosses over context and meaning that would help prove or disprove what he is saying.  What do I mean?  He says that dreams are God's "common language" to us and I do not see that proven in Scripture.  Yes, there are isolated incidents of God speaking through dreams or visions -- Joseph, Solomon, Paul, Peter, John -- but we do not see that occurring all the time.  In fact, if this was God's common language, why do we not have an incident of David - the man after God's own heart -- or Moses -- the greatest prophet of Israel -- having detailed and regular visions/dreams from God?  

If you love his books, please pause before wanting to eviscerate me.  I am simply pointing out some significant foundational issues that I would like to see shored up in future revisions.  There are thought-provoking sections (see my comments above) and solid statements to make you think.  I just struggle with the lack of exegetical explanation on the limited amounts of Scripture in his book.  For me, he uses the Bible as a "whisper" when it's truth should be "shouted." 


To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I am offering this disclaimer:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

Questions and Answers

I grabbed a copy of this book because I have read other books by the author and had high expectations for it.  Quite frankly, it was not his best work.  I am NOT saying that the book is unworthy of reading; however, it just did not meet the standards that I expected of him.

The format is set up in a question and answer method where the author tries to infuse humor into the material.  He does take on some weighty matters -- existence of God, the presence of suffering, heaven/hell, angels/demons, purported hatred of homosexuals, etc.  The work is accessible by those of deep theological understanding or those that have little knowledge of religion. My concern is the philosophical approach rather than a Biblical one.  It is rare to see mention of the Bible as a basis for the truth upon which he is expounding, and I see that as a major missed opportunity.

Its okay as a read and a resource.  I would use to build my specific, theological position on a matter.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I am offering this disclaimer:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

Review of Athanasia: The Great Insurrection

Before we go any further, please allow me to fully disclose two things:

1. I have known the author personally for several years.  That fact may lead you to believe that I would offer a favorable review to this book; however, despite that friendship, he would not even provide me a complimentary copy.  As he is now laughing while reading this, I did purchase this book from my own funds and there was not an expectation of any favorable review.  This factor does remove any particular bias I may have had with a free gift.
2. This genre is not one that I particularly enjoy.  My mind is geared toward nonfiction so reading something within the fantasy realm is not my preference.  That revelation may lead you to believe that I would offer an unfavorable review to this book.  Regardless, stepping outside a personal comfort zone is always a way to stretch the mind and learn new skills.
• Maybe I need to pause and define my terms just a bit.  When I say "fantasy," I am referencing books like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia.  Thus, you can expect to be committed to a series rather than a stand-alone read where everything makes sense with a mere 400 pages.

Let's start with the cover, which is a simple design, and that is exactly what I like.  Far too often books go for flashy or have some created image; however, this book does not.  It is a simple, yet bold color with a symbol (which you will come to understand from reading the manuscript) and the title.  I prefer these nondescript covers that do not offer you possible interpretations by artists of characters, when they have never read the book, as it minimizes the imagination.  If I'm going to read a fantasy text, then I want the ability to image the characters and landscapes on my own accord.

For the first book of a series, it has all the components that you want -- enduring main characters (the protagonist and antagonist are easily identified and just as easily liked or disdained), intriguing espionage that leads to significant conflict, engaging battles on land and sea, emerging love story (YUCK...as my son would say), and amazing support characters (I say support because they were so in this book but could play larger roles in others).  To that last piece, I will say this -- there is a trio, much like the 3 musketeers, that have some great banter back and forth even though they have an unlikely coming together.  I do not want to say more to avoid spoiling it for you; yet, I have come to really enjoy the one liners from those three.  Yep, that packaging makes you want to know what happens in volume 2 because the author leaves you in a lurch.

The book does have a couple of shortcomings but those are to be expected with a first-time author.  Quite frankly, these are minor pieces that, in no way, detract from the story.  I will admit that they are rooted in my nonfiction preferences, so take these comments with a grain of salt.

• The start was a bit slow, BUT, push through it.  You will be glad that you did. 
• Some of the one on one battle sequences are too scripted.  What I mean by that needs explanation - not the battles in the author's mind but their description.  For example, you see and hear "blocked a strike" over and over.  Honestly, I have never thought of how I would write a battle scene and have never read Tolkien to see how he handles; so I do not know that I have a proposed solution.  While the imagery in the mind flows well, it just makes the scene almost a bit clunky to read. 
• The battle scenes contain some timing within them that do foster questions in the mind.  For instance, a marching army of many thousands of men is exactly "x" hours or "y" minutes away of another force that is deploying to meet them.  An army covering any kind of terrain is going to encounter obstacles even if just as simple as one column moving faster or slower than another.  Even "Stonewall" Jackson's "Foot Calvary" which did some pretty impressive marching in the Shenandoah Valley could not always stay on target.

Do not misconstrue what I have said above!  The battle scenes are interestingly thought through from someone without a military background.  The tactics along the river when the...you know what...I'm going to stop right there because I would spoil a rather interesting part of the story.  The only way I can rephrase is this -- expect some unique twists and archers beware!  

Finally, the book is a solid allegory that weaves in Christian principles and teachings.  The way that these components are addressed in the story reveals clear foresight and planning while also shows the author has pondered the wisdom about which he writes.  There are some grand sections that deal with tough, Biblical truth while making it crystal clear to those that do not have a "Christian background." The author offers you nuggets of gold that you will remember later on after finishing reading.

Worth your money to purchase?  Yep.  Worth your time to read?  Yep.  And remember, both of those answers come from someone that adheres to a strict regimen of reading nonfiction texts.

Love Letters from God - for a Girl's Heart

This book is delightful and well put together for time to spend with your little girl.  The cover is shown below as it is one that is appealing to the eyes.  When my little girl saw it, her face just beamed and she immediately wanted to start reading.

There are approximately 14 short chapters so that you have quality time around God's Word.  They include the name of the lady being discussed, the Scriptural context, and one additional verse that specifically speaks to the lesson -- "God's Wonderful Words to You."  At the end of the Scripture-based lesson, there is a little "love note from God" that you can open and read.  Once you reach the end of the book, they have the opportunity to write a love letter back to God. 

My little girl is of the age that we could read one of these together each night covering for 2 straight weeks.  Or, it is set up in a way that you could extend it to four weeks -- read and discuss the Scriptural text one night and then the book material the next night.  It sets a routine of time focused on the Bible and allowing her to learn more about how to be a godly woman. The topics include:

• Trust, Bravery, Strength
• Hope, Service, Prayer, Youth
• Thirst, Forgiveness, Busyness
• Generosity, Gratitude, and Happiness

Please remember that this is just a tool meaning that its value is in the one using it.  Fathers can use this to ensure there is quality time with your daughter because, as research shows, a healthy relationship with dad is so vital for her development.  Mothers can also use this time to educate their daughters on womanhood as defined by Scripture.  If you take the time to use it, the results will be worth the time invested.

Disaster Falls: A Family Story?

This book by Stephane Gerson does offer struggles of a family that loses a young child on a trip.  Parts of it are moving and well-written and other parts are disjointed and choppy.  It is a difficult topic for anyone to read and you are left with wondering exactly what happened on the river -- particularly as information about the litigation was mentioned.

I know others have heaped great praise on the book with such flowery language as "one of the bravest and most breathtakingly honest books I have ever read," but for me, it was just okay.  It did tell a story of the family but that story was tarnished by the litigation aspect -- this is my review and that's just my opinion which I am sure others will not like.  I struggle with how a lawsuit and compensation "heals" the family because only forgiveness can offer healing.  Quite frankly, forgiveness does not need litigation to be offered.

If you want to know how one particular family struggled, then read the book.  If you are seeking answers to help you deal with your own loss, I'm not sure this is the right place to go.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I am offering this disclaimer:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

Tim Tebow Shaken? That Captured my Attention

For full disclosure, I need to start this blog by saying that I have never been a Florida Gators fan.  As such, I delighted in the rare circumstances where Tim Tebow lost at the collegiate level. When be became a pro, however, my perspective of him changed.  This book keeps with that transformation and my respect for him continues to grow. 

The opening chapter of the book begins with him being cut by a pro team -- clearly a First World problem -- and the questions that he posed to God.  He believed that he knew what God had in store for him but, just like all of us that think that way, he learned otherwise. Someone once said "make your plans in pencil and give God the eraser," and those words are exemplified in Tebow's life. 

As he traces his story of ups and downs as well as those that helped remind him of the important things in life (e.g. the children that his foundation assists), he concludes the book with a chapter called "What Matters Most."  I would encourage you to start reading there.   He puts it this way on page 191 -- "I want to live off the field in a way that outlives me.  I want my love for God and for others to shine greater than an incredible comeback moment, a heavy gold trophy, or a handful of favorable headlines."  Those choices make all the difference in the world. 

We must, however, come to understand that God formed us and compares us to nobody else in this world.  More critically, we lack  nothing that His grace cannot supply to us BUT we must first turn to Him and surrender ourselves.  Therein rests the interesting piece of being "shaken" -- oftentimes, God must shake us to get our attention, ultimately, leading to surrender to Him.  As Ravi Zacharias has said, "There is no greater discovery than seeing God as the author of your destiny."

It is clear that Tebow is not the most skilled author; however, you can see his heart for God on every page.  This book is a quick read and, I believe, worth your time.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I am offering this disclaimer:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

The Lion Chased a Bit too Far

So, I have several of Mark Batterson's books and really enjoyed his first -- In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Evening.  It grabs your attention and makes you scratch your head in that you've missed that story somehow in the Bible.  His most recent book - Chase the Lion - goes back to that original but it lacks the grandeur of the first which was a New York Times best-seller.

The structure of the book is rather predictable in that he talks about his first book to start off and then he moved into this newer rendition.  Well, every chapter starts off with some story and then he talks about "chasing lions."  He used a snippet of a verse in that chapter that mentions going the pit with that lion; however, he never really spent time explaining their importance or relevance to the chapter.  he seemed to use the verses just to make it "more Christian" rather than doing some type of exegesis regarding the actual text.

Before I describe my largest concern, let me tell you that some good is here in the book.  He has put forward a "manifesto of the Lion Chaser" and those have some good statements.  In fact, one of them is the background to my computer -- run to the road!  If you want to see them all, you can find them here:  http://chasethelion.com/manifesto

Now, let's get into my big issue. On pages 10 and 11, the author quotes the minor prophet Joel and he totally missed  (not a slight miss but a HUGE one).  He used the prophet to lend credence to the summary of his chapter -- dreaming dreams is "the natural, supernatural by-product of being filled with God's spirit."  That conclusion is not even remotely in the context of the of Joel's prophecy.  If you read all of Joel 2, you will see that its a call to repentance and the Lord working in His people.  They are to be satisfied in Him alone.  What's the end of that work?  The people call on God's name which moves them toward salvation and deliverance from sin because God will be the judge of all mankind.  The statement about dreams concocted by Batterson is not the final product because salvation from sin and submission to His will is.  In this case, the author chased the lion a bit too much.

There are some good one-liners in here; however, get his first book instead of this one.


To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I am offering this disclaimer:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

Another Study Bible

I will go ahead and admit it -- I'm a sucker for study Bibles.  When I see one, I want to get it to see how its study notes are different than any other.  The MacArthur Study Bible is the "gold standard" in my opinion, so I confess a hardship in trying not to compare others to it.

The NKJV Apply the Word Study Bible is a new release and has some rather positive qualities.  First, I really like the name -- apply the Word -- because that is what we should do each and every day.  Second, I love (and I mean love) red letter editions because they help as you disciple new Christians to help delineate between narrative events and the words of Jesus.  As such, this one does not disappoint.  Third, there are good notes within it to point out some words and social/culture components.  It does not, however, go into the doctrinal or hermeneutical depths of a MacArthur Study Bible (see...I struggle in avoiding the comparison).

This one is the size of a "normal book" and not the typical Bible -- which is larger than a normal book.  To that end, the print is somewhat small and there is not much room for notes to go in the margin.  If you need larger print and desire to write notes on the pages, well, this is not the Bible for you.  Still, I can recommend this to you because you cannot go wrong studying God's Word! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Still Searching for Jesus

Robert J. Hutchinson has written a chronicle, of sorts, describing his quest to understand who the real, historical Jesus was.  The result is the book Searching for Jesus; and as the title suggests, it leaves anyone still searching for Jesus.  My main complaint is that the book left way too much open for interpretation instead of helping close the door with his own conclusions. 

For instance, he has a small section (A Conclusion...and a Beginning) that, of sorts, summarizes it all.  I use the two words "of sorts" twice for a definitive reason -- as much as the author leads to a conclusion, he never delivers one.  His final paragraph starts with -- "whether intentionally or not, Jesus ignited a worldwide crusade."  Well, if you read the New Testament, we see what His followers believed and that seems to be convincing enough to take a stand on something.  Further, there are a multitude of glittering statements like "whatever you believe" or "more evidence is still being gathered."  I do believe he does nail this one aspect right one the money -- we cannot construct a day by day, minute by minute reconstruction of everything that Jesus Christ did, and that is okay because Christianity is built upon faith not incontrovertible facts (which would remove any and all need for faith). 

If you are "on the fence" and are seeking secular sources to help you make a decision to accept or deny Christ, I doubt that this book will help you in that regard.  Thus, my title of the review is "Still Searching for Jesus." 

Let me offer you, however, a glimpse into the value of this book.  It provides a wonderful historiography of cynics, skeptics, atheists, and gnostic beliefs alongside modern scholarship that advances those thoughts BUT then balances it with modern scholarship that challenges those same components.  This is a "one stop shop" of Christology summarized and, for that reason alone, it is a valuable book to have on your shelf.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Power in the Parables

John MacArthur has demonstrated, once again, why many consider him to be one of the strongest Bible teachers of the modern age.  In the recent book Parables:  The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed through the Stories Jesus Told, he unpacks these parables and offers the explanation that is often missed.  Far too often we fail to consider the surrounding context that unlocks the teachings that Jesus was offering for those listening.

One of our greatest errors in Scriptural interpretation is using our modern culture to glean the meaning of the parable.  As MacArthur shows, that cultural bias leads to incorrect interpretations and applications.  For instance, the parable of the widow and the unjust judge does not make as much sense until you understand the Jewish and Roman judicial structure as well as the legal mandate to care for the helpless widows.  Further, the court system of that day was made for men; so, a woman advocating for herself in court means that she had nobody else to assist her.

MacArthur considers several parables:  (1) Good Samaritan; (2) Hidden treasure in a field and pearl of great price; (3) the Sower; (4) Pharisee and publican - my personal favorite of the book; (5) Two servants, ten bridesmaids, and the talents; (6) the Unjust judge; and (7) Lazarus and the rich man.  You can see that the author combines several into one larger discussion and, when you read the book, the understanding why becomes clear.  Chapter 8 is an interesting read - I'll leave it at that.

Great book that helps unearth meaning behind these parables.  I highly recommend it. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Black Earth Shines a Light onto a Dark Subject

Black.  Earth.  Two words that stand alone but have multiple constructs in meaning.  For instance, "black" can reference a color, have racial overtones, indicate a style of cooking (e.g. blackened shrimp), or darkness.  "Earth" can reference our planet of habitation, dirt, or the physical realm.  When you take these distinctive words and combine them, they completely change.  I believe Timothy Snyder knew exactly what he was doing when he coined the title of this book:  Black Earth - The Holocaust as History and Warning.

Here is a warning for you -- this book is not for the faint of heart or the intellectually lazy.  Why not for the faint of heart?  The topic of the Holocaust is difficult partly due to the origination of the term "genocide" to describe the horrific events.  Snyder includes some of those (e.g. Nazis tossing babies into the air to shoot them like clay targets...chilling described on page 190) but attempts to avoid those gruesome specifics.  Why not for the intellectually lazy?  The author digs into the intellectual rationale used by the Nazis to create a Judeo-bolshevik myth that served multiple arenas -- political, physical, spiritual, racial, and social -- in gaining collaboration from others to murder the Jews.  This myth became the primary reason (not anti-Semitism) that individuals participated in the killing of the Jews even when they were not forced to do so and could have opted out without consequence other than peer pressure.

In short, the Judeo-bolshevik myth was Hitler's way to solve problems.  Everything he believed that led to the Holocaust was rooted not in statehood but in race.  Additional countries were not needed for empire building but to sustain and help purify the Aryan race.  His utilized politics to further advance his race-baiting in strokes that created murderous consequences for the Jews.  As Germany occupied areas formerly held by the Soviet Union and discovered mass graves due to Russian savagery, the Germans cast the Jews as collaborators.  They took their property, adorned them in Soviet flags, and had them march to the Soviet anthem.  Why?  He forced an identification of the Jews with Russian actions, so the local populace would blame them and willingly understand the need to exact revenge.  The odd part is that many of the individuals now killing the Jews were the actual collaborators with the Soviets in the earlier killings.  Thus, the Judeo-bolshevik myth was the tool to move the Holocaust into its advanced stages of mass killings rather than one off shootings.

With a background in philosophy and intellectual history, this book took an approach that I greatly appreciated.  Snyder pulls back the veil so that our modern world can catch a glimpse into how this could have happened.  His final chapter -- "Conclusions for our World" -- is strong and powerful; yet, I even believe he could have stretched it further in application.  This book is not your normal approach to the Holocaust; however, it offers a fresh and engaging perspective to a terrible time.

A worthy read of a time that we cannot forget so as to prevent it from ever occurring again....


To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I am offering this disclaimer:  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

Churchill's Trial....not an error

Before I launch into the review, please allow me to be upfront -- this is NOT a Christian book even though it is put forward by a "Christian publisher."  The closest it comes to having anything redemptive is in the secondary title of the book where is uses the word "salvation."  The book is policy review of Churchill's life based on conservative principles and uses any opportunity to highlight the need of free government in America. 

Arnn is clearly a scholar and, at times, makes connections beyond what the average person will access.  He is masterful in his writing and logical in his thinking.  This book is not a detailed biography of possibly the greatest British prime minister.  What he has produced, however, is an overview of certain parts of Churchill's life that drive home his (Arnn) philosophical views.  Please do not misunderstand that last statement -- I am not questioning Arnn's scholarship because he and Churchill would agree on many things.  My point is simply this:  I am curious as to how Churchill scholars (or even the Churchill Society itself) would speak to this book by Arnn.

I did appreciate the fact that it was a different approach on Churchill which, as Mark Levin put it, is "rare."  The focus is not so much on historical events -- they merely serve as the backdrop -- but upon the writings, speeches, or actions of the famed leader.  The book is a good, fast read and does offer some interesting insights and lessons.

Whether or not to get this book depends on what you are seeking from the life of Churchill?  An understanding of the World War 2 years?  Find another book.  A detailed biography of the man?  Find another book.  Insights into conservativism and intellectual thought of the man?  This is probably your book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Slow to Judge...a fast-paced and convicting read

David Capes has written a book that will absolutely hurt you to read.  Slow to Judge:  Sometimes its Okay to Listen starts with a focus on a phrase that Solomon used in requesting wisdom from God -- he wanted a "listening heart."  That phrase serves as the foundation for the rest of his book; and if that is not convicting enough, he hits your hard when he discusses pride.  That chapter hammers (and I mean hammers) you as it exposes the reason we are so quick to judge others -- our pride as manifested in the desire to be right or superior to others.  If we are going to have any type of conversation with others, it cannot be a debate (which is prideful).  Instead, we need deep, abiding relationships that come through humility, love, and grace.

 Capes shares his own growth in this area by a radio talk show involving him, a rabbi, and a father.  He makes a wonderful statement that he uses later on -- we can agree to disagree but we cannot ever become disagreeable.  That phrase becomes critical when he discusses "toleration" as used in the modern world, and it is not true toleration.  He offers a critical point that toleration really has a hidden agenda -- protecting my beliefs and my power at the expense of yours.  This section was hugely important as it exposes the agenda of the left and right -- neither side is really interested in listening to the other because they just want their way (uh, isn't that pride?).  It is much easier to throw around words like "bigot" or "prejudiced" rather than stopping to really understand the position held by the other person.

The last two chapters were somewhat strange in my opinion.  I've already let someone borrow this book and will need to go back through them because I, honestly, did not understand what he was trying to there.  As I did not comprehend them on the first read, they seemed to weaken the overall strength of the book.  He did not have a great deal of Biblical exegesis but he had sufficient Biblical explanation to give you an "aha" moment on certain passages.

Considering all the name-calling and stereo-typing of Christians that is occurring in our modern world, this book offers a refreshing read on how to counter-act those trends. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Scholarly Work that Requires Some Knowledge Base

Before ever reading the information on the back about the author's background, the book itself reveals that Andrew Gant is a musician and scholarly expert on this subject.  His work - The Carols of Christmas: A Celebration of the Surprising Stories Behind Your Favorite Holiday Songs -- is scholarly and requires a musical background to understand much of what he digs into.  Since I do not have that background (while in college, I struggled to make it out of Introduction to Music which was required for my major), I found much of the book to be meaningless to me; and that led to a lower rating of the book.

For those of you that absolutely love this book, please understand that these are my opinions based upon my knowledge base.  I am not a musician but am a lover of history, so I assumed this would be a treatise that I would greatly enjoy.  My hopes were that this examination of Christmas carols would be similar to Stephen Nissenbaum's Battle for Christmas; however, excluding the more narrow scope by Gant, the accessibility factor and seamless construct are the major differences.  As another example of accessibility for a reader, the author includes multiple Latin phrases to make a point about the origin of some language in a song; yet, the English translation is missing.  That omission leaves a reader wondering exactly the point the author is attempting to make.

The book does have neat stories and some interesting tales about the differences in these Christmas carols across nations and cultures.  He raised and answered some interesting questions about what are "carols" for the Christmas season.  For instance, consider "Jingle Bells" and "O Christmas Tree."  Neither one mention Christmas nor are they about the Christ child - now, you may want to argue the last one, but I simply say read that chapter and you will understand.  I did learn several things from this book, so it does have some value in it.

If you have a strong based of musical knowledge and love to know stories behind songs, then this is THE book for you.  I simply do not have that foundational knowledge, so reading this was a struggle for me. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Through a Man's Eyes -- True Perspective

In all honesty, I was looking for a book to blog about when this one popped up.  I really did not want to get it, but it seemed interesting; so I requested it.  Through a Man's Eyes:  Helping Women Understand the Visual Nature of Men offered a true perspective of the battle for the mind that men fight on a daily basis in our highly sexualized culture.

The authors lay out a clear and reasoned case of what is going on in the male mind in order for women to better understand their visual wiring.  They did not draft this book so that people can reference men as "jerks" or "perverts" but to afford women the opportunity to really understand.  Numerous times throughout, wives share their inability to comprehend the male mind because both genders are wired differently.

The last few chapters of the book break down into a specific focus:  here is a response that moms should have and here is a response that a wife should have.  The strength of the home is the strength of the church and the strength of the church is the strength of the nation.  Clearly, we are struggling nationally and it can be traced back to the homes.  Women have an opportunity to help teach the next generation about purity in thought and deed while also reinforcing it with the men in their lives today. 

Women, get a copy so that you can understand what is going on in the minds of your husbands and your sons.  You need to know; and as the G.I. Joe cartoons I grew up watching closed with...."and knowing is half the battle."

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BELIEVE Storybook: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus

If you are a Christian and are not having a regular period of time to teach your children your beliefs, then you must start doing so right now.  This book by Randy Frazee is a good first step.  It does have its issues, which I will outline below, but something is better than nothing.  I will be using it with mine when we finish what we currently have.

The book is highly colorful and well laid-out for children.  The authors and illustrators select specific content from the Old and New Testament to teach how to "think, act, and be like Jesus."  They present a condensed version of the Biblical content, offer the passage (which I would encourage you to read to your kiddos), present key questions on the attributes of God, state Jesus as the answer, and conclude with a "Believe" section.  Time and effort have been put into this work to break down some of the complexities of these passages for smaller children.

Here are a couple of issues that I have:

1. "Storybook" -- we, as Christians, need to be careful with the language that we use.  Often, we talk about Bible stories with our children; however, we need to be more intentional with our language.  Our modern culture views the Bible as a collection of moral stories -- nothing more and nothing less.  If we believe the Bible is true, then we should not reference its contents as stories.  You may be thinking that this is overboard, but I do not.  If we teach creation as a story and a child hears at school that creation is a story but evolution is science, then have we prepared them to deal with those questions of faith?  I use that as an example and could provide others as well, but for the sake of time will not.
2. The key ideas are written as "I can" statements.  Once again, we need to be careful here.  All that we have from God is through His Son Jesus Christ.  We did nothing to earn His love.  We did nothing to earn His grace or mercy.  God provided it freely.  To reinforce those facts, those statements could be reversed to put the emphasis where it rightly belongs.  Here are 2 examples:  "I have the power through Jesus to control myself" should become "Jesus gives me the power to control myself" OR "I can deal with the hardships of life because of the hope I have in Jesus" should become "Jesus is my hope and strength to deal with the hardships of life."

All in all, this is a good resource.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Unoffendable was Uninspiring

Brant Hansen's book Unoffendable was something that capture my attention.  He speaks of making one change that will make all of life better and that change is relinquishing any right to anger.  He argues that righteous anger does not exist and giving up that right to anger is what gives you the "most healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things we can do."  I looks from other reviews already posted that I will be the sole voice of dissent here.  Oh well...


Before you jump to any conclusions, I am not making the case for being angry.  I had a temper as a child and it almost cost me my life as, in anger, I stuck my hands trough a glass door.  I still bear the scars from that experience, so I understand the evil side of anger.  The Bible is clear in that explosive anger dishonors God, damages our testimony, and destroys relationships with others.  We are in agreement on that point; however, Hansen's book falls short of proving in a systematic and Biblical fashion that Christians are to never be angry.

Here is an example:  Hansen points to Jesus' anger in throwing the money changes out of the Temple.  Quite correctly, he points out that Christians use that as an example -- well, if Jesus was angry, then we can so be as well.  Hansen deals with this issue through slight of hand by saying something along these lines -- "you see, yes, Jesus could be angry because He can do lots of things that we cannot.  Like what you may ask?  Oh, how about create the world and rise from the dead.  Since we cannot do those things, we should not focus on other things that He does either."

What's the danger there?  Simple -- Jesus showed compassion, feed the hungry, went to the outcasts, exhibited humility, experienced pain, etc.  We must be careful in flippantly throwing out elements of Jesus' existence that clearly reflected His deity as reasons to avoid our humanity.  Anger is a human emotion that cannot be avoided.  I think the problem that Hansen misses is the realization of its innate humanness.  Anger, alone, is not a problem.  If it lingers and is acted upon, then it becomes wrong as bitterness forms.

Hansen refuses to deal with situations like Moses, in Exodus, being angered at Israel for creating the golden calf.  He threw down the tablets containing the Ten Commandments but nowhere do you see God rebuking him for that anger.  What about Paul who stood toe to toe with Peter over the issue of Gentile believers in Galatians 2.  I am sure that anger was involved here but, once again, we do not see God condemning him for his actions.

Again, I am not making a case for Christians to be angry; yet I am saying that Hansen fell short.  He offered lots of stories, examples from his radio show, and nice thoughts of his own.  What was missing, however, was a detailed exegesis and consideration of the totality of Scripture.  Since that aspect was lacking, I am left wondering at the veracity of his arguments.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Leadership Lessons from a SEAL Leader

Before moving forward, I am an avid reader of leadership books and am a sucker for anything that relates to the military and/or special forces.  So, when I saw the title The Navy SEAL Art of War, I jumped on it.  Rob Roy's book cover was uninspiring, so I made an immediate assumption.  Remember the adage "don't judge a book by its cover"?  Well, I should have because I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  It will be added to my professional reading shelf and, quite frankly, it was not going to be prior to reading it.

This review is a deviation from my normal focus on Christian books.  It does have some profanity laced throughout, so bear that in mind going into it.  If such language will be offensive to you, then I suggest you avoid reading it.  Now, to the details of this modern-day leadership book written in the format of a Sun Tzu Art of War....

The author has more than 50 "chapters," and I use that term loosely.  Most of them are 3-4 pages of material but many others are only 1 page.  These are shorter musing that jump right into the details and he does not waste any time in dancing around the topic.  When you get this book, please read it with a specific situation in mind -- could be professional or personal life.  My advice is offered so that the tenets within can make a difference.  We, far too often, read a book just to read and the application is what creates the change that can produce success.

Here is a critique that I do have though -- pages 16 and 17 deal with lots of "I've" done this or "I'm" still doing this or "I've" used this or "I've watched" this happen.  This part is referenced particularly due to the section the author had on humility.  He says on pages 100 and 101 that "precious few details of my many SEAL adventures" have been omitted from the book  and "that's by design."  He goes on to say that SEALs are not "braggarts or glory hounds."  The two sections just seemed to lack cohesion.  Stop.  I am NOT saying that this guy is prideful or a braggadocio.  The lack of congruence was troubling to me and cutting that information in the introduction would have removed any sort of question from my mind.

It's a good read and an enjoyable one.  Remember,  "the first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.  The second is to look things in the fact and know them for what they are." 


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Special Book about Special Operation Forces

 

Legend by Eric Blehm is a fast-paced read filling with in-depth character analysis, historical context, and amazing story-telling skills.  This particular era was one of secret missions into Cambodia that were being driven by politicians, and you will see how that plays out on the date that serves as the primary subject of the book.  If you are unfamiliar with the author, I stumbled upon his work through the book Fearless about a Navy S.E.A.L.  I loved that book and, quite frankly, I love this new book Legend just as much. 

This newest work focuses on the Vietnam era and the amazing story of MSG Roy Benavidez and the events of May 2, 1968.  Before getting to that life-changing day, Blehm provides significant biographical information about Roy, which offers insight into how he made his decision on that fateful day.  As he was taught from a child -- when you know someone needs help, you just go help them.  That is exactly what he did in heroic fashion saving the lives of at least 8 men.  Although, he would be quick to tell you that he was no hero - the heroes are those that never made it back.  Yet, the fact remains that his story is one of humility, hard work, honor, and heroism.

I do not want to spoil the story for you in this review, but I will saw this much - that day in May started like any other for Sgt. Benavidez.  He was able to hear that some men were in a tough fire fight - some men that were his friends - and when a chopper was head out to attempt extraction, he jumped on board.  Now, mind you, he was not assigned to that chopper nor did he have his normal load (rucksack with ammo, grenades, or even his weapon).  He went in with only a knife and a medical kit.  As the chopper tried to find the men to resupply them with ammo, they realized they could not get to them.  That's why Sgt. Benavidez made the critical decision to jump from the chopper and into the battle when that Huey was there to try and remove men from the battle.  I will stop there but will offer this one final tidbit -- his actions led to his receipt of the Medal of Honor.

If you love history and stories of amazing encounters in combat, this is a must read.  His call sign - Tango, Mike, Mike - has become synonymous in special forces circles referencing the need for courage during conflict.  Please, read this book about an amazing American and see what is possible through the selflessness of one individual.


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

An Encyclopedia of Leadership

John C. Maxwell has put together what I call and "encyclopedia of leadership" in his culmination of the 101 series -- Complete 101 Collection:  What Every Leader Needs to Know.  If you are looking for an in-depth authoritative source, then this is not your book.  If, however, you are seeking something that offers solid information on many topics, then this is your book. Maxwell admits that in his opening section, so he does not mislead you in any way.

The book itself is 612 pages of text, so it is a rather large book.  The topics considered are as follows:  attitude, self-improvement, leadership, relationships, success, teamwork, equipping, and mentoring.  Each topic is approximately 70 pages in length divided among 8 or so chapters.  The format and structure permits a reader to digest the material and to notice the how the topics are interconnected.  For instance, attitude is the foundation of self-improvement and equipping others is the primary goal of mentoring. 

This book will be a solid addition to your leadership section.  I would also suggest that you may give this to others as a gift for their personal and professional growth.  Most importantly, get a copy for yourself and wrestle with the thoughts contained in its pages.  And, if you want to know more about these topics, Maxwell is proud to offer you other books on those topics as well.  : )


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”