Zealous Love by Mike and Danae Yankoski

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/Social Issues

Zealous Love A Practical Guide to Social Justice  Edited by  Mike and Danae Yankoski

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2009

Number of pages- 248

Age Group- Young Adult/Adult

Description of book- softcover, list price $16.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-29076-6

Extra- Discussion questions at the end of each chapter, www.ZealousLove.org

Are you looking for a new focus for your passion for helping others?  This is the perfect book to help you decide what your new focus will be.  Zealous Love focuses on human trafficking, unclean water, refugees, hunger, lack of education, creation degradation, HIV/AIDS and economic inequality.

As you read this book the contributors will inspire you to help your neighbors both locally and globally by telling their story about their issue.  Some of the contributors are Dave Batstone, Scott Todd, Sean Litton and Marva Dawn. 

About the authors- Mike and Danae Yankoski enjoy backpacking, hiking, good books, among many other things in the Pacific Northwest with their dog.  Mike has written, Under the Overpass.  Danae has written Crazy Love and The Forgotten God with Francis Chan.

My thoughts-

I thought this book was very good.  I enjoyed having something I can hold in my hands that lists and describes different social issues and gives me different ideas on how I can make a difference.

The lay-out of the book was very good with the introduction of the issue, four field notes (written by different people) and the “Now What” section.  My favorite part of the book, was the “Now What” section at the end of each issues because it made me think and gave me ideas on how I could help.  The sections of “Now What,” were reflect, respond, spread the word, share your ideas and discover more (websites).

Would I recommend this book?  Yes!  This book is perfect for anybody who is interested in learning where the help is needed and how to do it.  It is perfect for organizations, young and old.

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.

Life In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson

Genre- Inspirational, Biography

Life In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer

Published by- WaterBrook Multnomah

Copyrighted- 2010

Number of pages- 209

Age Group- Teen/Adult

Description of book- hardback, list price $23.99, ISBN 978-1-60142-252-1

Extras- Afterward by Kristen’s mother, Resources to recognize suicide warning signs, and address of Kristen’s organization, Reaching You Ministries (www.reachingyou.org)

One day night, seventeen-year-old Kristen Jane Anderson decided that her pain was too much and she wanted to die.  She left a note for her mom and went to lay on some train tracks.  Thirty-three freight cars went over her, she lost her legs and her depression continued, but God had bigger plans for her life.

Kristen was in and out of the hospital and had several different counselors.  Her family, friends (old and new), and professionals helped her to regain her confidence in life.

About the authors-  Kristen Jane Anderson is a graduate from Moody Bible Institute and has been featured on Oprah.  She is the founder of Reaching You Ministries, where she helps those who need help.

Tricia Goyer is the author of many articles, novels, and nonfiction books.

My thoughts-

Kristen Jane Anderson is a remarkable young woman.  She has been through so much yet she has been able to reach an inner peace and through God help others.  I am so glad she has been able to heal and write the story for us to read. 

I think this book would be a good book to have in offices where they help people to deal with suicidal thoughts and other issues of desperation and also for those who have lost a limb.     

Would I recommend?  Yes.  I would recommend this book to everyone, because Kristen is so inspirational and her writing can lead us to know that we can get through it all with God’s help.

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.

Izzy’s Pop Star Plan by Alex Marestaing

Genre- Religion/Christian/Social Issues

Izzy’s Pop Star Plan by Alex Marestaing

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2010

Number of pages- 229

Age Group- Juvenile

Description of Book- paperback, list price $9.99, ISBN 978-1-4003-1654-0

Extras- www.izzyspopstarplan.com

Izzy Baxter has been planning to become a pop star since she was six-years-old and she now at sixteen she has that chance. Izzy has been selected to compete on the show, International Pop Star Challenge. This book has Izzy’s blog entries as she goes on the show to places like Tokyo, Paris and Buenos Aires. Will Izzy go with her own plans or will she do the plans that God has for her?

About the Author- Alex Marestaing lives in California with his family. He has written for The Walt Disney Company and the Los Angeles Times. In July he will be releasing a sequel to this book called, Izzy’s Pop Star Plan: The Album

My Thoughts-

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 (New King James)

I recently had this has a memory verse and I thought it was perfect for this book, because as a pop star this is the problem that Izzy is facing. Izzy is a girl who does her best at following God in all of her ways and she has the support of her family and friends to help her through the hard times. She knows that God has specific plans for her and even though she detours sometimes she knows where she needs to go, which is what I like about her.

I liked how this book was set up like a blog, so that it worked both as a devotional and novel.

I would recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://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.

The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown

Genre- Biography & Autobiography/ Presidents & Heads of State/General
The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown
Published by- Thomas Nelson
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 327
Age Group- Teen/Adult
Description of Book- paperback, list price $15.99, ISBN 978-1-5955-5353-9
Extras- Bibliography and Eulogies

Mary Beth Brown wrote this book using interviews and Ronald Reagan’s own words. She shows how Reagan’s devotion to God helped him as a child, adult and a politician. Ronald Reagan always had a strong belief in God, which is shown in the eulogies by his children and others at the end of the book.

About the Author- Mary Beth Brown writes a nationally syndicated column, speaks to Christian and Conservative audiences, and lives in Arizona with her husband and kids.

My Thoughts- I thought this book was very good. I have always wanted to learn more about Ronald Reagan’s faith and this was certainly the book to do it. One of the most important things I learned from this book was the support network Ronald Reagan had. He always had people to turn to that supported him and helped him grow in his faith in God. He passed that knowledge and devotion to God onto his children. It was fun reading the parts that showed how much Nancy Reagan was valued by him and his first children, Maureen and Michael.

Ronald Reagan’s relationship with his mother showed me how I need to be with my children to raise them to follow God.

I would recommend this book.

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.

Radical by David Platt

Genre- Christian Living
Radical by David Platt
Published by- WaterBrook Multnomah
Copyrighted- 2010
Number of pages- 219
Age Group- Teen/Adult
Description of book- paperback, list price $14.99, ISBN 978-1-60142-221-7
Extras- www.RadicalTheBook.com

“Taking back your faith from the American dream” Taken from the front of the book this quote encompasses this book.

Jesus wanted his disciples to leave everything to spread the gospel. In this book David Platt show us how we live the gospel according to our cultural preferences. And he shows how one church started living according to the gospel.

About the author- David Platt lives with his wife and family in Birmingham, Alabama where he is the pastor of The Church at Brook Hills. He holds a doctorate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

My thoughts-
I thought the best part of this book was the last chapter, “The Radical Experiment.” In this chapter David Platt shows us how to implement his plan for one year. The plan has five parts.
“ 1. pray for the entire world
2. read through the entire Word
3. sacrifice your money for a specific purpose
4. spend your time in another context
5. commit your life to a multiplying community”
I thought it was a great idea to take a year to do this experiment, because it does take time to develop habits. I know I am going to fill out the commitment in the back of the book and make my plans to live the life Jesus wants me to live.

Would I recommend? I would recommend this book to people who are ready to live a life for Jesus.

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 Does God Want From Me? by Mark Matlock

Genre- Youth/Youth Interest/Christian Living
What Does God Want From Me? By Mark Matlock
Series- Invert Series
Published by- Zondervan/Youth Specialties
Copyrighted- 2007
Number of pages- 134
Age Group- Young Adult, 13-16
Description of book- softcover, list price $9.99, ISBN-10: 0-310-25815-4, ISBN-13: 978-0-310-25815-5
Extra- Discussion questions at the end of each chapter

Does what kind of music we listen to matter?

Do I have to wear a dress/suit to church?

The Bible answers these questions and many more.

In this book Mark Matlock uses his experiences and Bible verses to answer these questions and more. He will show us that while we know the big sins we also need to remember the little ones such as pride.

About the author- Mark Matlock is an author, teacher, husband and father. He teaches at PlanetWisdom conferences for teens. He lives in Texas with his wife and kids.

My thoughts-
Although I had a difficult time getting into the book, it was informative.

One of the chapters I liked the best was chapter six,‘What does it look like to “do justice"?' I thought this chapter was one of the most important, because over time I have had a problem with judging people as God will do. I need to remember not to give judgment, but give justice and help restore people in their walk with God.

Would I recommend? I would recommend this book for teens. This book would work for individual and group study. The questions at the end each chapter when written out and studied will help a person know exactly what God wants of us.

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.

Invasion by Jon S. Lewis

Genre- Juvenile Fiction/Science Fiction
Invasion (A C.H.O.A.S. Novel) by Jon S. Lewis
Series- A C.H.A.O.S. Novel, book 1
Published by- Thomas Nelson
Copyrighted- 2010
Number of pages- 321
Age Group- Young Adult
Description of Book- hardback, list price $14.99, ISBN 978-1-59554753-8
Extras- Reading Group Guide, CHAOS Sketchbook

Sixteen-year-old Colt McAllister moves to Arizona with his grandfather after his parents died in a tragic car accident. Fortunately he has Dani, a childhood friend and he quickly makes a new friend, Oz.

Trident Biotech, a company Colt has always been suspicious of may be responsible for his mother’s death. Mary, an investigative reporter, was on the verge of exposing a secret mind-control program.

Colt and his friends work on learning the truth and learn about a part of earth the average person doesn’t know: aliens, flying motorcycles and shapeshifters.


About the Author- Jon S. Lewis lives in Arizona with his family, where he writes for DC COMICS. He is also a coauthor of the Grey Griffins trilogy and Grey Griffins Clockwork Chronicles.

My Thoughts- After I read the book I wondered why Thomas Nelson published this book as it did not seem Christian and there were only a couple of questions in the reading group guide that dealt with morals.

I knew Jon S. Lewis had done some work for DC Comics and this book seemed like a comic without the pictures. The book reminded me of the movie, Men in Black. It had the secret society and beings from other worlds that befriended humans.

The joining of comic book theme with Colt’s life was genius. Reading comics is not really my thing. So, when I was able to “read” a comic book I thought it was super cool. I was able to imagine the Phantom Flyer, Thule soldiers and other characters.

I enjoyed reading this book and eagerly await the second installment coming in 2012. I recommend this book to young adults.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://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.