Fearless by Eric Blehm

I didn't grow up in a military family and I don't know many people who serve in the armed forces.  This book gave me a greater appreciation for what our soldiers go through in order for us to be free. 

Adam Brown was a Navy SEAL who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and he wanted his story to be shared.  His story isn't just one of a soldier...it's a story of a man who rose from the pit of drug addiction to become a hero.  Fearless is the perfect name for this book.  Adam was fearless to the point of being reckless....but that trait is what set him apart as a true warrior who persevered through many trials that would have caused others to quit. 

This biography was put together through the memories of Adam's friends, family, and fellow SEALS, as well as journal entries and official documents.  It is very well-written and interesting to read.  I never found myself bored with unnecessary details or background information.  The type of man Adam was during the majority of his life is inspiring.  His faith, priorities, perseverance, and courage are to be admired.  I enjoyed the many pictures shared throughout the book as well.

I highly recommend reading this book about a true American hero, Adam Brown. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Thrive:Student Edition by Mark Hall

Do you want to merely survive, or to thrive?  While the content of this book is applicable to anyone, I decided to read the Student Edition specifically to decide how I could use the teaching at home with my boys, or in our youth group at church.  The main message of Thrive comes from Psalm 1 and the picture of the tree you see on the front cover.  The basic idea is that a balanced Christian life has two parts: digging deep into our personal relationship with Jesus (strong roots) and reaching out to others.  In order to thrive we must have both.

This book is great for students because the chapters are short! There are 30 chapters, each 4-8 pages long.  The content is a mixture of story, Scriptural teaching, and application.  At the end of each chapter is the main "Point to Remember" which helps to maintain focus. 

One topic under the reaching out section that spoke to me was about obedience.  Mark Hall writes "We're looking so forward to tomorrow that we're tripping over today....Doing big things for God is not some grand movement to shoot for in the future.  Doing big things for God just means doing the very next thing he says."  And the Point to Remember: "God doesn't want us to live in the future but in his Now."

For those who are impacted by song, you will be pleased to know that several of Casting Crowns' song lyrics are explained and woven into the teaching.  Listening to the songs afterward is great reinforcement and will help to keep the message fresh.

While it is still in the "Coming Soon" stages, it appears that there will be video teachings accessible through Casting Crowns website that will supplement the book.  So youth leaders - be on the lookout for that!

I recommend this book to anyone who has already committed to following Jesus and wants to get a better idea of what that looks like - and desires to thrive.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.