Risen by Angela Hunt

I have just finished reading this novel, but have not seen the recently released movie.  The story revolves around the death and resurrection of Jesus, as seen through the eyes of a Roman Tribune.  For those familiar with the Bible, the events in this story will be predictable.  It's for this reason that I say the book is just "ok".  I would have liked more character development.

The book introduces two main fictional characters into the familiar story of the resurrection; Clavius (a Roman Tribune) and Rachel (a Jewish widow).  The story-telling switches frequently between these two characters.  Since I consider their interaction and differing perspectives to be one of the highlights of the story, I was very surprised to read in the Author's Note that the character of Rachel was completely cut from the movie!  The bulk of the story centers around Clavius searching for the body of Jesus and interviewing his followers for information.  The author did a fairly good job of representing the Biblical characters in a matter consistent with the Scriptures.

Some of the vocabulary used in this book is specific to that time period in Roman history, and can be a bit difficult to decipher.  I would have liked to see more explanation given in the text, or a glossary of terms in the back of the book.

In summary, if you already know the details of the resurrection, this story won't be new, but it will be told in a different way.  If reading the book or seeing the movie gets people thinking about and investigating the truth of this claim - I say that's a good thing :)

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

Here is a trailer for the movie...

Walk to Beautiful by Jimmy Wayne

I had never heard of Jimmy Wayne before picking up this book, but now that I know his story, I doubt I will ever forget.  This is an auto-biography of a boy who went through unbelievable hardship as a child, was transformed by the love of an elderly couple, ascended to country music stardom, and then risked it all to help raise awareness for foster kids.  Most people blame their past for making them bitter.  Jimmy chose a better path and allowed his experiences to make him better.  It is a beautiful story.

Warning: you may want to keep a box of tissues nearby!  It really was heartbreaking to hear the details of Jimmy's childhood.  I can't even fathom a child having to go through even a few of the events Jimmy had to endure, much less all of them.  As a substitute teacher, I think his story has increased my compassion for students.  I may wonder now about that student who has bad hygiene and comes in with dirty clothes.  What time of home life does he have?  How can I be an instrument of kindness?  I desire for God to use me in some way to help change someones life like the couple changed Jimmy's life.  Maybe some day He will.

The section of the book concerning Jimmy's music career was interesting, but sometimes too detailed for my interests.  I'm sure people in the music industry will get more out of it.  The thing I loved is that he rose from poverty and was living his dream, but his music career was not the most important thing - he remembered where he came from and dedicated himself to making a difference.  This is a lesson we could all learn from.

The photos in the middle of the book add a nice touch, allowing us to share in some of Jimmy's treasured memories.  This book will touch your heart and inspire you.  As Jimmy wrote "it's not where you've been, but it's where you're goin'; it's not who you were in the past, but it's who you are today - that's what really matters."

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

I've included a video for those of you not familiar with his music:

Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch

Reading this book has been similar to simply talking to another mom about the struggles and joys of raising children in this generation.  There is no judgment or strict rules to follow - just a conversation about perspectives and strategies for teaching our kids, and ourselves, how to be grateful. 

I like that Kristen spends a lot of time helping parents develop a healthy mindset.  She points out that gratefulness is often learned by example.  She also reminds us that "often our kids don't need more stuff or more freedom; they just need more of us."  This journey begins with parents recognizing that we need to develop a healthy perspective - one that goes against the flow of today's culture.

There are many stories shared on these pages, both of parenting successes and of failures that can be learned from.   I felt encouraged and affirmed in some areas of parenting, and also got some new ideas I can implement in the future!  Hearing about the failures was helpful too because it reminds me that we're all in the struggle together.  I like that at the end of each chapter there is a Going Against the Flow section which highlights key points for parents and provides a few practical age appropriate suggestions for toddlers/preschoolers, elementary, and tween/teens. 

There are discussion questions included at the end of the book.  I think this would be a great book for a small group of mothers to read and discuss together.  This calling of motherhood is no easy task, but reading books like this one can help give a little encouragement and wisdom for the journey.

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

Rare Bird by Anna Whiston-Donaldson

   I sometimes wonder what it would be like to lose a child.  Would I be strong enough to handle that kind of pain?  How does God show up and comfort parents who are living though this nightmare?  I was interested in reading this story because I too have a 12-year-old son.  While I have not experienced a deep loss, I desire to know others stories to increase my awareness and compassion for those who are grieving.  It is difficult to write a review on a book like this because I can't critique a person's experience.  Instead, I can only comment on the way the story way written.

What will you find in this book? Honesty.  Authentic heart-wrenching thoughts and feelings this mother experienced during the first year after her son's death.  The mood continually switches back and forth between feelings of bitterness and hope, which I suppose is normal.  Anna shares openly how this loss has affected her relationships with her daughter, husband, friends, and neighbors.

The one thing that I found shocking was her use of foul language.  While I certainly don't judge her for thinking or using these words, I didn't find it tasteful to put them in print.  We're not talking about mild language either...these are the big dogs.  At least 15 cuss words spelled out and scattered throughout the book.  Maybe these words were included to support "authenticity", but I felt they were unnecessary and it resulted in me disconnecting from the story.

I would recommend this book with caution to those who want to understand the types of thoughts and feelings that a grieving mother may experience.  While there are strong threads of bitterness, Anna also offers glimpses of hope and comfort.  Anyone who reads this book will be moved with compassion toward those going through this type of loss, and will be reminded to treasure each and every day with their loved ones.

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

#struggles by Craig Groeschel

Craig Groeschel has delivered an eye-opening, culturally relevant book for this generation.  I too have a love-hate relationship with technology.  Sure, in some ways technology makes our lives easier.  But does it also come with a cost?  This book reveals the ways that our "devices" are influencing our culture.  Its goal is not to condemn social media and technology, but to help us view and use them in healthy ways.

Like many of his previous books, Craig Groeschel writes in an easy-to-read manner full of stories, humor, and biblical truth.  He focuses on 8 biblical values and how they are affected by social media.  Here's a few things to think about...

1. Contentment - How much easier is it for us to envy and compare ourselves with others?
2. Intimacy - Is our online relationships taking the place of real friendships?
3. Authenticity - Do we crave affirmation from others in the form of "likes"and comments?
4. Compassion - Are we being desensitized to others pain and failing to love others well?
5. Integrity - Are temptations more easily accessed and kept secret?
6. Encouragement - Do we post things online that we would never say face-to-face?
7. Worship - Could our phones be becoming idols?
8. Rest - Is having a distraction always at our fingertips robbing us of rest?

I urge you to read this book and delve more into these topics.  The key lies in finding balance.  It was said that the "fear of missing out" is one thing that keeps us addicted to our devices.  If you find that to be true, check out this quote: "Instead of the Fear of Missing Out online, what you really should be afraid of is missing out on the people right in front of you.  You may be missing out on your children growing up.  You may be missing out on enjoying an intimate marriage.  You may be missing out on deep friendships filled with meaning.  Is your fear that you're going to miss out on something causing you to miss out on what matters most?"

Appendix 1 at the back of the book gives us "Ten Commandments of Using Social Media to Grow Your Faith and Share God's Love".  The list shows how we can use social media in healthy and uplifting ways.  Appendix 2 suggests many safeguards against temptations/inappropriate content that can be downloaded on your computer and/or phone.

If you use social media on any level, I suggest reading this book and evaluating if changes need to be made.  Even if you don't struggle deeply with these issues, I'm sure you know someone who does.  It's the world we find ourselves in.  This book will open your eyes to these struggles and enable you to take back control.

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

No Fear by Tony Perkins

Real stories of a courageous new generation standing for truth.  This is what drew me in.  I wanted to hear stories that would instill hope and courage in the younger generation, inspiring us all to stand up for what's right. 

The selection of stories was not quite what I had expected.  They mostly revolve around people risking ridicule, employment, or even jail time to take a stand against laws/expectations that restrict religious freedom.  These people courageously stand firm in their beliefs and do so in a peaceful manner.  I was just hoping to read some stories about people radically loving others, with less focus on legal matters. 

I like the way the book is set-up.  Each chapter contains a story about an individual, giving just enough background information and detail to explain the situation.  That is then followed by an account of a Biblical figure who was in a similar situation.  The author writes in an engaging way that is easy to understand.  Each chapter closes with a few questions for further thought and/or discussion.

Instead of simply telling these stories, I felt that the author interjected his own opinion frequently - and sometimes in poor taste.  For example, when explaining about a public gathering that some individuals had planned to repent and pray for our nation, he writes "less than 25 percent of Charlotte's churches participated - some of the megachurch pastors apparently felt that joining in might hurt their book sales."  Really?  I sense some bitterness there.  I sometimes got the feeling that the author was trying to push his own agenda rather than simply reporting the facts.

No Fear does tell stories that are worth being heard.  It links them to biblical accounts and helps us to see that there are different challenges in all generations - but that we can all stand up for truth when God asks us to.  These recent and ancient examples can inspire us to act with courage.

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

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado

I have read many non-fiction books written by Max Lucado and already liked him as an author, so I was excited to see this fictional novel hit the shelves.  I was not disappointed with the story-telling...Max is a master at weaving truth into compelling stories.  My only complaint is that the book seemed short - I would have liked to see more development.

The plot in this book reminded me of some of Frank Peretti's works, but with less action.  The book focuses on a family working through problems here on Earth, but then flips the lens every now and then to show us what is going on in the "heavenly realms".  While the story itself is fiction, it really makes the reader think about the possibility of an alternate spiritual reality.  Do we too have guardian angels?  Can our prayers be heard and seen in heaven as is presented in this story?

A large focus of the story is on a "God Blog" that patrons can access through an internet site at a cafe. Each person is allowed to ask one question that is answered directly by God.  I enjoyed reading the questions and answers that were submitted.  The author is able to offer wisdom and perspective to some common questions people ask, while adding in some humor at the same time.

While the story didn't seem incomplete, I did desire more character and plot development.  However, for those who like it sweet and simple - this length would be perfect.  There are a list of 12 discussion questions at the end of the book.

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