Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black

Genre- Youth/Teen Fiction
Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black
Series- The Knights of Arrethtrae, book 6, but it can be read independently of the series
Published by- WaterBrook Multnomah
Copyrighted- 2010
Number of pages- 182
Age Group- Youth/Teen
Description of book- paperback, list price $9.99, ISBN 978-1-60142-129-6
Extras- Discussion Questions and piano music for the “The Final Call” by Emily Elizabeth Black
Book Summary- Told from the perspective of Cedric of Chessington, Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest, is filled with knights, good and evil, and mystical creatures.
In Cameria, Sir Rowan is the best tournament knight, but he is left for dead after he is attacked.  Mariah takes care of Sir Rowan and he rededicates his life to the Prince.  As Sir Rowan and his countrymen begin to take back their country from the Dark Knight.  Sir Lijah comes and tells him he is needed elsewhere.
What will Sir Rowan chose? Read the book!
About the author- Chuck Black is the author of the Kingdom series and Knights of Arithtrae series. He lives with his wife, Andrea and their five children in North Dakota.
My thoughts- Would I recommend? Yes. I recommend this book to people in the age group listed and also to adults, as the reader can see the consequences of what extreme pride can do to you.  I am sad to know the series is ending.
I love reading these books and my favorite part in the book is the “author commentary.”  After reading the book the commentary pulls everything together and I can then meditate upon the message and how I can apply it in my own life.
Sir Rowan sets a perfect example of how extreme pride can cause your life to change in an instant.  His life as a tournament knight was very self-centered.  He thought he deserved it, because he had been a street urchin.  He thought his heart was still with the Prince, but he had been deceived.  We need to be mindful as Christians that we are not living our lives in pride, because life can change for the worse when you least expect it.
I plan on acquiring the books in this series and the Kingdom Series, because I plan on using them as a teaching tool for my children.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the WaterBrook Multnomah “Blogging For Books” 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.

What Are You Waiting For? by Dannah Gresh

Genre- Christian Living/Relationships/Sexuality

What Are You Waiting For?: The One Thing No One Ever Tells You About Sex by Dannah Gresh

Published by- WaterBrook Multnomah

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 178

Age Group- Teen/Adult

Description of book- paperback, list price $10.99, ISBN 978-1-60142-331-3

Extras- Discussion Questions for each chapter at the end of the book

Are you unsure of God’s thoughts on sex?  Then let Dannah Gresh show you the ancient Hebrew words and what they mean to you and your sexual relationships.

In this book Dannah Gresh will talk about:

• the dangers with pornography
• where to draw the line with kissing, fondling, and oral sex
• how to identify the lies associated with lesbianism
• what happens when you have a friendship with benefits

About the author- Dannah Gresh is a contributor to FamilyLife Today and Midday Connection.  She has written And the Bride Wore White and she enjoys talking about purity with teens and young adults.  She lives with her husband and children in Pennsylvania.

My thoughts-

When I was single I wish I had been able to read a book like this.  If I had had a book like this then I would have known the love of God and how much more important that is than any love from a person.  And how God’s love will help me to love myself and my boyfriend/spouse.

This should be required reading for all girls when they are in high school, whether it be in school or church classes.  They will learn why they should not have “friends with benefits” or why pornography shouldn’t be watched.

The chapter I thought was the best was, “The Line,” and it talked about where you should draw the line with kissing, fondling, and oral sex.  As women we need to know exactly where we will draw the line and to go no further.

I would highly recommend this book to teens and young adults. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received What Are You Waiting For? by Dannah Gresh for free from the WaterBrook Multnomah “Blogging For Books” 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.

The Quotable Rogue

Genre- Political Science/ General

The Quotable Rogue: The Ideals of Sarah Palin in Her Own Words by Matt Lewis

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 192

Age Group- Adult/College Age

Description of Book- paperback, list price $12.99, ISBN 978-1-5955-5356-0

Over the years Sarah Palin has been criticized and celebrated in the main stream media.  Matt Lewis has gathered together many of Sarah Palin’s quotes in this small, but powerful book.  He has added quotes from many subjects such as abortion, civil rights, family, media, and Tina Fey.  It doesn’t matter the party you are affiliated with, this book of quotes will help you learn about her in her own words and not the words of others.

About the Author- Matt Lewis blogs, writes, and is a commentator in Virginia.  He is a Senior Contributor for the Daily Caller.  He has been on Fox News and MSNBC,  as well as other television and radio shows.

My Thoughts- I have seen and read a little bit about about Sarah Palin over the years, so when this book was made available to me, I was excited.  I have wanted to learn more about her and what better way than in her own words.

I thought Matt Lewis did a wonderful job of collecting good and memorable quotes.  When I looked at the table of contents, I don’t think he missed a single subject that should be covered.  Since the publisher is a Christian publishing house, I would have thought there would have been more than three pages on Sarah Palin’s faith. 

I would recommend this book to all people who want to learn more about Sarah Palin in her own words, without the negativity the media often gives to celebrities or people who speak their mind. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Quotable Rogue by Matt Lewis for free from the publisher through the BookSneeze 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.

Walls, Brawls, and the Great Rebellion- MangaBible

Genre- Kids, Juvenile, fiction Religious, Christian, Comic and Graphic Novels

Walls, Brawls and the Great Rebellion from the MangaBible Series by Young Shin Lee and illustrated by Jung Sun Hwang

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2007

Number of pages- 160

Age Group- 8-12

Description of book- softcover, list price $6.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-71288-6

Extra- www.zgraphicnovels.com where you can learn more about all the books in the series and also different series.

Based on the books of Numbers, Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, the reader is taken on an adventure like none other.  No character is left out.  See the earth split to kill Korah and Dathan.  Read and see Samson kill the lion with his bare hands.

Please visit these links to learn more about the book and ZGraphic Novels. Here is a Sample of chapter one. Here is an Interview describing ZGraphic Novels.

About the author- Young Shin Lee founded the Korean Cultural Research Center, serves at the Korean Defense Graduate School Church and has a master degree. He has written The Manhwa Bible in Korean.

 

About the illustrator- Jung Sun Hwang has drawn for The Manhwa Bible and other books in Korea. He also has a degree in Architectural Engineering.

 

My thoughts-

I used to avoid reading graphic novels, but when I learned that there were Christian graphic novels, I decided I would give them a try. This book was a lot of fun to read.  I really enjoyed the manga style in this book.  I wasn’t sure if I like the style originally, but I am really beginning to enjoy it.

I would agree that there is strong artwork and emotions shown in this book using the manga style. I really enjoyed this book, because I could see what the manga style was showing. I could easily tell who the characters were and how it related to Numbers, Joshua, Judges and Ruth.  This style is perfect for someone who needs to see illustrations to understand the story better.  This is a great way for reluctant readers to become involved with reading.

I would recommend Walls, Brawls and the Great Rebellion, because graphic novels are becoming more popular. As graphic novels become more popular it will be more important than ever to have Christian graphic novels for people to read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Walls, Brawls, and the Great Rebellion free from Zondervan. 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.  All links were current when posted.

No He Can’t by Kevin McCullough

Genre- Political Science/ General

No He Can’t: How Barack Obama is Dismantling Hope and Change by Kevin McCullough

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 219

Age Group- Adult/College Age

Description of Book- hardback, list price $19.99, ISBN 978-1-5955-5338-6

Written in four parts, “Economics,” “National Insecurity,” “Erosion of Rights,” and “Accountability to Caesar,” Kevin McCullough describes what and how President Obama has done since he became the 44th president of the United States of America.

Some of the chapter titles include:

• Chapter four: “Opposing Business and Workers”
• Chapter eight: “Advancing the Non-American Agenda”
• Chapter fourteen: “Re-creating the Definition of Person”
• Chapter twenty: “Frozen Paralysis Kills Americans”

All is not gloom and doom though, Kevin McCullough does state what President Obama can do to change his presidency for the better.

About the Author- Kevin McCullough has written many different columns in publications such as, Chicago Tribune, New York Post, and Christianity Today.  This is his third book.  He is also the host of “The Kevin McCullough Show” and “Baldwin/McCullough Radio.”

My Thoughts- Well for starters, let me say, WOW.  There certainly is a lot more to President Obama than I thought there was.  I knew about the economic bailouts and the healthcare package, but this book has shown me there is so much more to President Obama’s morals and loyalties.  Chapter fourteen: “Re-creating the Definition of Person” was horrific as a parent, Christian and person to read.  I cannot believe that U.S. citizens are paying for foreign abortions or President Obama’s view on how doctors should care for their patients.  President Obama also doesn’t respect the U.S. by alienating our allies and becoming soft with radical Islam.

Would I recommend?  Yes.  I think every person of voting age should read this book, because voters need to become aware of what President Obama is doing on behalf of our country and watching the nightly news will not give you that.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received No He Can’t by Kevin McCullough for free from the publisher through the BookSneeze 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.

Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/Spiritual Life

Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 185

Age Group- Adult, (can also be for highschoolers)

Description of book- softcover, list price $12.99, ISBN 978-0-310-33207-7

Are you a fan or a follower of Jesus?  Kyle Idleman is going to show you what it is to be a follower and not a fan, as many of us are.  This book begins with a must read prologue and quickly moves onto part one.  In part one, you must decide whether or not you are a fan or a follower.  Be honest!  Part two is “an invitation to follow” and Part three, “following Jesus. wherever. whenever. whatever.”

About the author- Kyle Idleman currently works as a teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church, the fifth largest church in America.  He lives with his wife and four children.

My thoughts-

I really enjoyed this book.  After I finished this book I have decided that I am a fan who needs to work much harder at being a follower.  Not a Fan has shown me time and time again that there is so much more to being a follower of Jesus.

Each chapter is set up to it talks a bit about Jesus and some of his fans/followers and then you learn about the difference between a fan and a follower, then decide which you are.  Later in the book it shows how you need to follow Jesus. 

The testimonies at the end of some chapters are good.  They show how Jesus has truly changed peoples’ lives.  They are also a testament to Kyle Idleman and how important this subject is to him.  It is very fun to read a book that the author is very passionate about and it is evident in Not a Fan.  It makes me passionate about being a follower and not a fan.

Would I recommend? This book should be read by one and all.  Not a Fan definitely should read by teenagers and used in their Sabbath classes, so they will always know how to be a follower of Jesus and not a fan.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Not a Fan, free from Zondervan. 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.

hungry for God by Margaret Feinberg

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/Spiritual Life

hungry for God: Hearing God’s voice in the ordinary and everyday By Margaret Feinber

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 185

Age Group- Adult, college age

Description of book- softcover, list price $12.99, ISBN 978-0-310-33207-7

Extra- Discussion questions at the end the book for each chapter

Written in only six chapters, Margaret Feinberg shows us how to be spiritually hungry for God and then how to recognize and prepare for it on a daily basis.  The chapters, “Unforgettable Invitation,” “Kairos Moments,” “Shaped by God’s Voice,” Readiness,” “The Language of God,” and “Have You Heard?” are the different ways in which we need to listen and observe God on a daily basis.

From the back of the book: “Learning to hear God’s voice isn’t as much a destination as it is a journey and if you travel far enough, you’ll find yourself abiding in the presence of God.”

About the author- Margaret Feinberg lives in Colorado with her husband and dog.  She is a writer and speaker and has been named on of the “Thirty Emerging Voices” of Christian leaders by Charisma magazine.

My thoughts-

My favorite chapter was, “The Language of God.”  This chapter was divided up into the many ways  that God speaks to us.  I enjoyed reading Margaret Feinberg’s reflections and learning the many ways that God communicates with us if we are willing to listen.  I thought that “God Thoughts” and “Nature” were the best ones, because to me, they are two of the more obvious ones that may get over looked in our daily life.   To get thoughts from God we need to pray, be quiet and listen.  God whispers, so we need to listen for the quiet words.  Going outside and being a part of nature is also a way that we can observe the awesomeness of God.  It doesn’t need to be in a park or in your yard, you can just look out the window and observe.

Would I recommend? Yes, I would highly recommend this book by Margaret Feinberg, because we need to know how to satisfy our spiritual hunger and this book can help us do that. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan. 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.