Book Review: Same Life, New Story

"Move from what is to what can be by changing how you think and talk to yourself" is a description of the book found on the book jacket. I would add that Jill Silvious also emphasizes an important step before that: accepting your individual story (not denying it, resenting it, or running from it) so that you can embrace what amazing things God has in store!

Not only would I HIGHLY recommend this book, I actually have already endorsed it in multiple conversations ever since I’ve read it! Somehow Silvious put into words thoughts that have been swirling around in my head for quite some time. Silvious peals away at the lives of women from the Bible and present day women she has come in contact. In doing this, she shows us what a difference our lives can make if we accept our story…not someone else’s, not what we always wanted, not what is easy.

There have been so many things in my “story” that I didn’t want to accept and it was such a good reminder I’m not the only one! The Bible is full of women who were used to fulfill God’s plan, and who wants to be comfortable with their own story when the God of the Universe is writing one for you! This book will inspire you!

Disclaimer:  I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Books for my honest and impartial review.

Book Review: The Sweet By and By

Such a new and refreshing perspective for anyone who loves a good fiction book!  Set in the comfortable backdrop of Tennessee, we meet Jade weeks before her wedding.  Jade has shut the door on a painful past, and wants to move forward to a happy future with the man she loves. 

Unfortunately, for Jade, weddings are a time that naturally bring up the past.  And what begins as a polite invitation to Jade's estranged mother turns into the uncovering of every painful memory of Jade's past that she has desperately tried to forget.  The book is cleverly written by alternating chapters of past and present.  We gain perspective on a current conversation or incident when the author then takes us back 20-30 years.  Through this travel of time, we start putting together the pieces of Jade's life, and yet there are still twists and turns saved for us until the very end of the book!

Jade's character is smart and likeable, yet vulnerable from her childhood hurts.  As she is forced to deal with her skeletons, we see forgiveness (given and bestowed) transform her from an abandoned child into a woman marked by strength and grace.  I highly recommend this book!  For more reviews go to Thomas Nelson.

Fearless by Max Lucado

Max Lucado, in his latest release, Fearless, dares us to "Imagine Your Life Without Fear!"  He then takes us on a journey inside the lives of Jesus and his disciples.  We feel like we are in the middle of the action, frustrated that the disciples don't trust Jesus after the miracles they've witnessed, yet identifying with them knowing we are just like them.  Each chapter explains a specific fear common today.  Topics include the fear of not mattering, the fear of not protecting my kids, and the fear of worst-case scenarios. Through Lucado's masterful writing, I was able to identify many fears that I deal with.

If I were to say anything negative about the book it is that reading fear after fear is quite depressing.  But I guess the only natural conclusion to a life filled with fear is hopelessness?  Having said that, Lucado gives multiple scriptures in each chapter to help us overcome our fears.  And then the culmination of the book "The One Healthy Terror" (Chapter 14) addresses this perfectly.  The way we avoid fear of life/death/money/health/people/calamity is by fearing our Lord, letting Him reign supreme.

I highly recommend this book, whether you are already Fearless or still hope to be! Click here to read Chapter One.

Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl

Face of Betrayal is a suspense novel about the disappearance of a 17-yr old Senate page. Though this case is puzzling to the authorities, it starts to unravel as three women, known by themselves as "The Triple Threat", dig deeper. These three women, reporter Cassidy Shaw, FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges, and Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce are friends from high school who use their knowledge, position, and trust of each other to solve cases.

I am bothered by the fact that many modern mysteries are often filled with bad language and graphic sex scenes. Face of Betrayal is unique in that it provides all the suspense and plot development of a great mystery and leaves out the filthy parts that distract. In addition to that, the author creatively introduces us to the 17-yr old missing girl by letting us read her blog entries. Who doesn't love an interesting blog?

I believe you will enjoy this book that weaves you through several suspects only to conclude with one you may not have expected! I look forward to the next installment in the Triple Threat Series, Hand of Fate, due out in March 2010.

Book Review: This is Your Brain On Joy

This is Your Brain on Joy by Dr. Henslin
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Very rarely can I find a book that approaches a topic with medical expertise, sensitivity to a person's hurts, and acknowledgment that what our deepest need is God (and to know him intimately). This book does all three! With an extremely fresh and educated perspective, Dr. Henslin explains that the constant struggles we have (be it addiction, anger, depression, etc) can be modified. We don't have to live with them, but we must deal with them from many angles. Based on his experience, a brain scan (SPECT scan) shows us which part of the brain is most effected, which allows for a more accurate diagnosis.

He does believe that medicine is often needed, but he also gives many other tools in this book based on which part of the brain is most effected. A checklist is included. For each part of the brain (and correlating issue) he addresses nutrition, supplements, preferred exercises, Scripture, types of music, books on the topic, and a variety of other helpful tools. I think the nicest surprise of the book is that it isn’t boring at all. Besides being informative, it’s witty at times and the personal stories are inspiring!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with emotional pain or who has a loved one struggling. For more information...

Dr. Henslin's website includes his speaking schedule and the the ability to sign up for the Brain-Heart Matters Newsletter.

He blogs!

Henslin and Associates offers counseling.

Amen Clinics provides the SPECT scans mentioned in the book.

Book Review: The Gift of Psalms

The Gift of Psalms has excerpts from 50 psalms along with a devotional for each. Also included in this gift set is three cds with 30 of the Psalms & devotionals dramatized by various celebrities. Because this book is the Psalms, you can’t go wrong. However, I want to quickly address a couple of things before moving to the good!

The first is some of the psalms aren’t written in their entirety. That’s confusing to read. The second problem is that the book and audio don’t always match up. The cds do include the entire psalm, so it is impossible to follow along with the cd while you read the book (as I would love for my newly reading 5 year old to be able to do). I wish the book had been reduced to the 30 psalms on the cds and had included all of the scripture.

Those are obviously quite nitpicky things, but if I were buying the set I would want to be aware of them. In terms of quality of the book, it would make a wonderful gift. Because it is aesthetically pleasing it would be perfect for someone’s coffee table, and the devotionals themselves are thought provoking. I kept the book in my car (to be close to the cds), and it was easy to grab when I knew I would be standing in line. I could read one or two at a time, and it was a simple way to read God’s word.

Book Review: For these Tough Times

For These Tough Times: Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope and Healing

For These Tough Times, originally published as America Looks Up, is written by Max Lucado. It is an 80-page book, about the size of your hand, and has the intent to teach us about “reaching toward heaven for hope & healing.” It does not disappoint. Lucado begins presenting a question that David (and all of us, really) asks:

“When all that is good falls apart,

What can good people do?”

The LORD is in his holy temple;

The LORD sits on his throne in heaven.

Psalm 11:3-4

Lucado reminds us that God’s “thoughts are not our thoughts” and we have a God who is in control no matter what our circumstances look like. We think we need answers, but God’s authority and sovereignty haven’t changed. He’s still in his holy temple. He’s still on the throne.

The book has many good nuggets of truth, but I was particularly convicted with the thoughts brought out in Chapter 6: In the Silence, God Speaks. “If Job had a fault, it was his tongue. He talked too much.” Job couldn’t resist talking back to his pseudo-comforters until Job 38 begins, “Then the LORD answered Job.” God tells Job HE will ask the questions, and Job remains silent! All the times I’ve questioned God’s actions, I’ve never thought about what I would do if his answer was, “Alicia, I created the universe-trust me!”

I do think this would make a good gift for someone going through a hard time. Some may complain about the small size, but I think when we're really in the middle of a storm long books overwhelm us. Typically "Lucado," this book is easy to read, theologically sound, and directs the reader to Christ...always a winning combination.

Book Review...Boomtown: Chang's Famous Fireworks

Boomtown: Chang's Famous Fireworks

Boomtown: Chang's Famous Fireworks, set around 1950, is a story about…well, several things actually, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing. The book begins with Reverend Arthur Button and his family moving to Boomtown from California in order to have a quieter, more peaceful life. But that backfires (pun intended) when he learns that Boomtown is the most explosive city around. Besides the town's affinity for fireworks, every pastor in the 70 year history of Arthur's church has had to be replaced because each one has met an untimely death.

That danger is contrasted by the fact that when it comes to caring about people, Boomtown is the safest place to be. When Rev Button questions the apparent quirkiness of everyone in this town, he is told that people don’t give up on each other “just because it’s hard.”

I have to admit, the biggest problem I had with the book is it’s just trying to do so much. Kids will enjoy the antics of the townspeople and the various ways things go “boom”! But they won’t understand the abandonment of an infant or the internal battle that haunts the reverend. The town has an “in your face” kind of feel, and yet there is a silent mystery waiting to be revealed. It's an incredible blend of fantasy and hard reality.

I do think it’s worth reading, but I think it would be best read as a family. A lot of stuff happens in Boomtown, silly and serious, which can be the start of some great conversations. I can’t help but think this Bible Study Guide could spark some meaningful dialogue. Multiple scriptures are referenced in the chapter questions.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the book for me was chapters 9 & 10, when the Buttons visit the Boomtown Museum. Any child would dream of going to a museum where the floors come to you! I would love to see these inventions on the big screen!

To sum up, there will be things you love and things you hate, but in my mind that's what makes a great story. These characters cannot be placed into a neat, little box...they are frustrating at times, wonderfully so. Does it end how I wanted it to? No, the ending is far too real. But what makes Boomtown (the book) special is the hope that a place like Boomtown (the city) really can exist.