Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Average Joe by Troy Meeder

Average Joe: God’s Extraordinary Calling to Ordinary Men by Troy Meeder helps men realize that God has a purpose for their “ordinary” lives. A great book written to help men realize that God’s plan helps shape their integrity, moral stability, resolve, and strength. The book would also be perfect for small group discussion as it includes a study guide for men’s groups.

I found the book to be very appropriate for me, as I sometimes wonder what happened to the dreams I held when I was younger. The book was great at “meeting me where I am,” and offering Biblically based advice and reassurance that everything is part of God’s plan. Divided into three sections and fourteen chapters, the book is also a very easy read.

I would recommend this book to any man who has come to view his life as ordinary. It will provide a great way for you to realize that your life is anything but ordinary. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen

How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen is a great book for aspiring authors that want to break into the non-fiction market. It is an excellent read for anyone that has thought about what it takes to get published.

I found the book to be well organized and extremely informative. The information is presented in short chapters and organized in a way that makes it efficient to use when attempting to follow publisher guidelines for submitting a proposal. The book is divided into nine parts and 42 chapters. The author also makes great use of humor in presenting the information, something I particularly enjoyed.

I would recommmend this book to any aspiring author and found it to be very useful. Four stars!

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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Beyond Talent by John C. Maxwell

Beyond Talent is another great motivational book from John Maxwell. It discusses talent and how it is just a starting point for successful people and companies. Maxwell shows how talent is influenced by a number of other factors including: belief, passion, initiative, focus, preparation, practice, perseverance, courage, teachability, character, relationships, responsibility, and teamwork.

Maxwell’s main point in this book is that talent alone is not enough to succeed; it takes many other factors in order to be successful. One of my favorite quotes from the book revolves around initiative from Chapter 3, “They know a secret that good leaders understand: momentum is their friend. As soon as they take that first step and start moving forward, things become a little easier. If the momentum gets strong enough, many of the problems take care of themselves and talent can take over.”

This book would be recommended reading for anyone in a management position or looking to advance their career. I give it four stars!

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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, April 18, 2011

Max on Life by Max Lucado

Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions is a great new book by the best-selling author Max Lucado. The book is made up of questions that Max has received over the years from his readers. This would make a great devotional because most questions and answers are just one to one and one-half pages. Great short reads for a daily devotion time.

The book is divided into seven sections with related questions, “Hope,” “Hurt,” “Help,” “Him/Her,” “Home,” “Have/Have-Nots,” and “Hereafter.” Max has a gentle way about his writing and I love how he answers the questions in this book. Whether talking about suffering or relationships or God’s love, Max answers in a loving and faith-filled way.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a great book for those new in their faith that have a lot of unanswered questions and also for those that are long-believing as it gives a fresh perspective to important matters of God’s love. Five stars for this one!

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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Saturday, April 16, 2011

God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren

God Gave Us You is a wonderful childrens book by Lisa Tawn Bergren that has great whimsical illustrations by Laura J. Bryant. The book tells the story of Little Cub and his question about where he came from one night before bedtime. Mama Cub explains to him that he was a gift from God and that she and his father were very excited to learn that he was growing inside her.

This is a great book that my son really enjoyed. It explains to children how they are special gifts from God and reassures them of just how unique and special they are.

I would highly recommend this book for any expecting parents and for parents of those up to age five. An awesome book for your children!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the WaterBrook Multnomah 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Live Loved by Max Lucado

Live Loved: Experiencing God’s Presence in Everyday Life is a devotional by the prolific Max Lucado. The material in the devotional has all been previously published in Lucado’s other works, so if you have a lot of his material you may not need this. It would make a great introduction to his material for someone who has not had a chance to read much of his work.

The book is divided into five sections, “Loved with a Steadfast Love,” “Loved with a Perfect Love,” Loved with a Wise Love,” “Loved with a Merciful Love,” and “Loved to Love Others.” Each devotion is just a couple of pages in length so it makes for a quick read. Each devotion also includes an accompanying prayer and several applicable verses.

As mentioned before, this would make a great introduction to Max Lucado, but if you own a lot of his previous books, you may want to pass this one by and wait for new material.

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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Save Your Marriage In Five Minutes A Day by Bonnie Jacobson

Save Your Marriage in Five Minutes a Day: Simple Daily Strategies to Transform Your Relationship by Bonnie Jacobson is not just a book for marriages in trouble, it is a great guide to keeping the spark in your already flourishing marriage or putting the spark back into your floundering marriage. Jacobson presents quick five-minute strategies that anyone can fit into their day to keep the connection alive in your marriage.

The book is divided into four sections with 21 chapters. Titles such as “Let’s Get Physical,” “Kid Stuff,” and “Hug Naked” give the reader ideas in order to stay connected with their spouse. Charts at the end of each chapter provide alternatives to the “lazy” way in which we normally communicate with our spouses. The book is a very easy read and the chapters are concise and offer great advice!

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to keep or add the spark to their marriage. This book should be required reading for all married couples!

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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

The Final Summit is the latest release by Andy Andrews. David Ponder from The Traveler’s Gift returns in “a quest to find the one principle that will save humanity.” I discovered Andy Andrews by “accident” over 10 years ago when I found one of his CD’s, My Life So Far, at a local used CD store. I knew I had stumbled upon someone special! More than a story-teller, more than a motivational guru, Andy is a gifted person that is able to combine these two to produce profound work.

The Final Summit continues the story of David Ponder, now 74, has found himself alone after the death of his wife. He again embarks on a journey with famous leaders from the past, including Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, and Abraham Lincoln. He must work with his fellow travellers to find the solution that will save us. The book is a great tale and explores principles that have influenced our great leaders from the past. These principles are in dire need in today’s society and Andy presents them for our use today!

While this is the sequel to The Traveler’s Gift, it is a great stand alone story as well, so do not be intimidated if you have not yet read the previous book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to gain further insight into living a successful life!

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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thursday, April 7, 2011

God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren

God Gave Us You is a wonderful childrens book by Lisa Tawn Bergren that has great whimsical illustrations by Laura J. Bryant. The book tells the story of Little Cub and his question about where he came from one night before bedtime. Mama Cub explains to him that he was a gift from God and that she and his father were very excited to learn that he was growing inside her.

This is a great book that my son really enjoyed. It explains to children how they are special gifts from God and reassures them of just how unique and special they are.

I would highly recommend this book for any expecting parents and for parents of those up to age five. An awesome book for your children!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the WaterBrook Multnomah 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic

Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life by Nick Vujicic tells the inspirational story of the life of a man born with no arms and no legs. Nick is truly an individual who will make you think twice about the problems in your life and how to overcome them with faith in God. I have had the privilege of seeing Nick speak live and it was an extremely soul stirring experience.

In his book, Nick tells the story of how he dealt with his disability as he was growing up and also of the struggles his parents endured as a result of his condition. God truly played a part in all of his family’s life and equipped them with the determination and perseverance needed to overcome Nick’s disabilities. As Nick says, “I promise you that for every disability you have, you are blessed with more than enough abilities to overcome your challenges.”

I would recommend this book to anyone, especially those that are struggling with their own problems now, whether physically, professionally, or personally. Nick gives practical words of advice in overcoming any problem with God’s love and help!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the WaterBrook Multnomah 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

God's Promises for the American Patriot by Richard Lee and Jack Countryman

God’s Promises for the American Patriot by Richard Lee and Jack Countryman is an excellent book that presents the historical events of our country and forefathers combined with Biblical scripture support for the ideas presented. The book could be used as a devotional as the chapters are fairly short and each is accompanied by several Bible verses that relate to the facts being presented.

A total of ninety-seven historical events and figures are profiled in the book. One of my favorite chapters was “The Bible and American Presidents.” This chapter presented quotes from prominent Presidents about their opinions of the Bible and its place in our society. My favorite quote was from Ronald Reagan who said, “Inside the Bible’s pages lie all the answers to all of the problems man has ever known…The Bible can touch our hearts, order our minds, and refresh our souls.” Another chapter, “Circuit Riders and Farmer-Preachers,” told the story of how Methodists and Baptists kept up with America’s move west in the late 1700s by having preachers go where the people went.

This book is an excellent presentation of how the Bible has been a foundation of our country from the start and would be a recommended read for anyone that has a passion for the history of our great country. It would also serve as a reminder to anyone in our government today of the principles this country was founded on!

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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jolt! by Phil Cooke

Jolt: Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing by Phil Cooke is a great self-help book that details how to navigate our constantly changing personal and business lives. It provides key tips on how to effectively deal with the change brought about by a rapidly changing culture that is both disruptive and potentially overwhelming.

The twenty-five chapters in the book are divided into five sections that include: “Jolt Your Direction,” Jolt What Matters,” Jolt Your Potential,” Jolt Your Heart,” and Jolt Your Future.” Chapters like “Better Choices” include information on how your decisions shape your life and how to make better decisions using all of the information at your disposal. The book uses quotes from a variety of sources to emphasize points in each chapter. While a good amount of the information has been presented in other self-help books, I enjoyed how this book was formatted and the way the information was presented.

This would be a good read for anyone that is having difficulty managing today’s rapidly changing culture. I would recommend it to anyone wishing to improve their lives.

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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”