Book Review: Mindspeak by Heather Sunseri

I don’t normally write reviews for YA novels.  I typically stick to reviewing Christian theology or discipleship books.  However I do read a lot of YA fiction.  In this case, I had to made an exception.  The author is my friend and I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t give her my opinion…for the whole world to see.

Having said that, Mindspeak, is not JUST a YA novel.  It’s YA/Sci-Fi/Romance.  Like I said, I read lots of YA fiction.  I read my share of fantasy/sci-fi as well.  But I don’t read romance.  I read Twilight when it first came out to make sure it was appropriate for my then preteen daughter.  I liked parts of it but the whole Team Edward/Team Jacob made me vomit in my mouth.  So I skipped the movies.

I say that because it’s hard for me to write a review about a book where I am CLEARLY NOT part of the target audience.  Some books can appeal to a larger audience while still being truly YA (Harry Potter).  But I think that may be the exception rather than the rule, particularly in our modern day niche marketing/publishing industry.

If it sounds like I’m making excuses to avoid being critical of my friend’s book, well, you’re wrong.  Heather Sunseri does a wonderful job of character AND plot development.  Her characters are consistent, though mysterious.  You can read plenty of other reviews to understand the plot, but it’s definitely unique; Heather’s no copycat.

USA Today wrote,

Mindspeak combines science, paranormal romance, and timely ethical debates within a compelling teen world… Romantic, mysterious, and exciting, Mindspeak by Heather Sunseri is a debut that delivers on every level.

I can’t argue with that!  So while I won’t begin reading romance novels on a regular basis, I will pick up the next chapter in the Mindspeak saga simply because the ethical debate of cloning (from the perspective of a clone!) and Heather’s well-paced plot development left me with wanting more!

Book Review: “I Am Not But I Know I Am” by Louie Giglio

Louie Giglio is one of the best oral communicators I’ve ever heard.  But can he translate some of the best sermons I’ve ever heard into great reading?  Not great.  Not bad either but mixed.

In “I Am Not But I Know I Am”, Giglio weaves the reality of God being the great “I Am” and how we certainly “am not.”  Giglio is at his strongest in chapters on the Sabbath and when he connects biblical truths with his own personal stories.  But I would prefer to listen to him AND there was nothing in this particular volume that made me want to read MORE.

And maybe that’s not fair to compare his writing to his speaking.  So maybe people who haven’t heard him speak before would like his books better than I did, but I couldn’t help focus on the lack of emotional impact this book had compared to what I’m used to from him.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Courageous Teens by Michael Catt

I agreed to review “Courageous Teens” written by Michael Catt with Amy Parker back at the end of October.  I don’t normally take this long but actually I had hoped that my teenage daughter would read and review the book for me.  The book is marketed to teens so why not have one of their own read and write?  My daughter loves to read but when I put this book on her desk she kind of looked at it and said, “Looks boring.”  Let me say that my daughter is also a strong Christian so it wasn’t that it was a book marketed to Christian teens, but rather something that didn’t look “hookable” to her.  The fact that it had “From the creators of Courageous the movie” on the cover didn’t help either, yet she watched and enjoyed the movie.  Just a thought and a guess: teens would rather read fiction about courageous teens and want to live out that example than to read a non-fiction book about being courageous.

To be fair to the publisher and to keep my word, I did read the book.  And I have to say that I actually enjoyed it.  It was well-written and applicable particularly to teens.  I do think my daughter would like it and learn from it.  I particularly liked the chapter on “the courage to face criticism.”  I would have loved to read this book when I was younger.  So it won’t go into the library or given away just yet.  I will put it back on my daughter’s desk.  She reads enough that eventually she’ll pick it up and try it out.  When (or if) that happens I’ll let her write her own review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: What Matters Most by Leonard Sweet

Don’t read this book or any Leonard Sweet book if you’re comfortable with your theology and biblical understanding.  Do read this book if you want to be challenged (within an orthodox context) about your understanding of some well-known biblical texts and theological concepts.

Sweet’s main focus in “What Matters Most” is relationship and it’s connection to faith. He demonstrates this from the beginnings of the Old Testament through the New Testament. This is so important in a day when Christians seem to rely more on their knowledge, intellect, and scriptural interpretations than with a vibrant walk with Christ.  I particularly liked chapter two where he clears up the difference (and there is one) between belief and faith.

Besides establishing the relational framework that is our faith in God, Sweet goes on to connect relationship further through exploring what relationships ought to look like with other people of faith, those outside the faith, and even God’s creation.

My pen ran out of ink underlining so many chunks of this book.  I plan on using this book with a small group and go chapter-by-chapter.  Sweet provides some discussion questions at the back to help with book groups.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Empty Promises by Pete Wilson (Book Review)

I hate to be the naysayer but I read so many books by pastors that look like sermons or sermon series simply made into a book.  I’ve been tempted to do the same thing.  And why not?  Here’s why not?  Sermons prepared to be preached don’t always translate well into books made to be read.

Having said that, I need to give Empty Promises by Pete Wilson, senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN, a mixed review.  At times he is so “right on” that I feel compelled to borrow his main points for my own preaching.  And then the other half of the time I found the writing quite trite.

In Empty Promises, Wilson tackles an important topic that I haven’t seen a lot of books covering in Christendom: the hidden idols that drive us and turn our devotion away from God.  His choice of “idols” are excellent and he covers the folly and solution quite well…about half the time.  At other times I saw a disconnect with his description of the “idol” and the causes and solution.

I must say that 2 chapters stood out for me as being most excellent.  “Money always wants to be more than money” and “Religion lies” both struck a chord for me personally and as I seek to minister to others who find themselves in bondage to these idols.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

When Work and Family Collide by Andy Stanley (Book Review)

The first time I read When Work and Family Collide: Keeping Your Job from Cheating Your Family by Andy Stanley it was called “Choosing to Cheat.”  Somehow in picking up this volume I missed the small print on the front of the book where it said, “Choosing to Cheat.”  I felt cheated!  I didn’t want to re-read a book that I read years ago!  Yet, I really can’t complain because this book was given to me free from the publisher to review.  So let me say up front, I’m not a fan of “re-publishing” books under new names.

That’s my only real complaint because I also have to confess…I needed to re-read this book!  There are some minor changes between the two volumes but it really doesn’t matter which version you read: it’s great!

It’s a quick read that every businessman and woman should read that wants to maintain healthy family relationships.  Stanley succinctly points out the problems with an unbalanced life and then takes his time giving us an application that seems is intuitive but clearly articulated.

So if your occupation is your preoccupation, pick up this handy book.  It’s cheaper and its solutions are healthier than divorce or regrets.

Living Close to God (when you’re not good at it) by Gene Edwards (Book Review)

Gene Edwards’ book “Living Close to God…when you’re not good at it” is the perfect title for a book to hook people in who may be struggling with their day-to-day walk with God.  I saw it and thought, “Exactly what I need to jump-start my one-on-one relationship with God.”  The book promises that “you will find many practical helps, even if, like me, you are a Christian who is not endowed with a natural spiritual aptitude.”  But for this reader, I didn’t find it true.

And that’s what I find dangerous with some “Christian life” books on the market.  They promise something they can’t deliver for everyone.  As someone who has worked on my daily times with God over 20 years there are a few things that I know: 1) there’s not one way to spend time with God; 2) the same things don’t work for everyone.  So I don’t disregard Edwards’ method of fellowshiping with Christ.  It may help a lot of “spiritually handicapped” people as he calls himself.  It just didn’t help me.

Fortunately, the book isn’t long and drawn out.  If you spend some time I think you’ll learn quickly if it’s for you or not.  The question is whether to spend your hard-earned money on a book you’re not sure will be helpful.  The answer to that will depend on your desperation of connecting with God.  If you’re really struggling, like the author was, then try it.  It’s hard to describe exactly what “it” is but the best I can do would be to call it “slow reading of meditative biblical texts as a call and response to God, listening carefully for Him.  The key is “slowing down.”  And in Edwards’ defense, maybe I didn’t do that enough.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Blogging for Books book 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.”

The Founder’s Key By Larry Arnn (Book Review)

Larry Arnn’s The Founder’s Key, though at times difficult to read, is an excellent primer on the historical connection between The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.  This is necessary because of attacks on the primacy of the Constitution by those who would wish certain elements of it away by calling on the spirit of the Declaration.

Arnn backs up his research by providing the texts of both historical documents along with the relevant Federalist Papers that solidify his case for unity.  Arnn is the President of Hillsdale College, my alma mater, but arrived to that prestigious campus after I left in 1992.  I have heard him speak a few times and have been impressed with his lucid thought, though sometimes I found him more difficult to read because the subject matter is more technical than poetic.  However, Arnn does his best to use metaphor and allegory to illustrate his points when apropos.

The subject matter may not interest most people, but if you like history or care for our country’s public policy as it intersects with constitutional issues then you’ll want to pick up this gem.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Blogging for Books book 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.”