Boring and Inapplicable - My Review of Knowing God by Name

Written by: David Wilkerson            

Published by: Chosen

I don’t know what I was expecting from this book, but it just didn’t hit me in the way that I expected it to. I was looking for a book that would help me to grow closer to God in some way, and Knowing God by Name just didn’t do it.

Who the book is for:

Christians, if anyone.

What I liked:

There is nothing in particular about this book that I liked.

What I didn’t like:

I found this book very boring, and I was unable to get into it at all.

I didn’t like the fact that the author chose to bring the “rod” verse from Proverbs into a book about God’s name – what does that have to do with the discussion? That verse can be interpreted in many ways, and I felt like the author was just trying to push his agenda in a book that had nothing to do with the subject.

My conclusion:

Overall, I was very disappointed with this book.

I give Knowing God by Name 2 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Heartbreaking - My Review of Girl at the End of the World

Written by: Elizabeth Esther
Published by: Convergent

I chose to read this book because I enjoy memoirs and I thought it sounded interesting, I found myself regretting that decision shortly after starting it. I respect the author and the struggles that she went through, but Girl at the End of the World was too real and depressing for me. It hit much too close to home.

This book shares the story of a girl who grew up in a cult, sadly, a lot of the practices that she suffered through are being followed by Christians today. A lot of what the author went through is being preached in a very popular parenting book that is being recommended at churches everywhere - a book that disgusts and enrages me.



Who the book is for:

This book should definitely be read by anyone who follows the practices of Tedd Tripp, so that you can see just where this that kind of teaching can lead. For others like me, this book depresses and hurts.

What I liked:

This book is very real. I thank the author for being open and honest.

Kept my attention.

What I didn’t like:

Depressed me, but this really isn't the author's fault, such was her life.

My conclusion:

Overall, I found this book... interesting and heartbreaking.

I give Girl at the End of the World 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

*Review and Giveaway - My Review of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Discussion Guide and a Prize Pack Giveaway for You

I recently received a discussion guide for the new Spiderman movie that is coming out soon, to read and review. This discussion guide is pretty cool, and a helpful resource for any family.

With discussion questions and more, you can draw closer as a family through watching The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and then using this guide to talk afterwards.

Here's the trailer to the movie - I think it looks pretty sweet.



If you are ready for a giveaway,  enter below for your chance to win a t-shirt, paper mask, and phone case:

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Interesting Historical Fiction - My Review of A Sensible Arrangement

Written by: Tracie Peterson
Published by: Bethany House

I devour fiction on a regular basis. While I prefer contemporary, I enjoy historical, too. Since Tracie Peterson was one of my favorite authors when I was a teen, I was anxious to see if I would still like her writing.

A Sensible Arrangement tells the story of a thirty-something woman who travels across the country to enter into a marriage of name only. Eager to escape the pain of her past, she finds that a fresh start isn't as easy as she was expecting.



Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy historical fiction. Women and teen girls.

What I liked:

The characters were likeable.

The story was interesting and unique.

What I didn’t like:

The conclusion was very abrupt, and I felt it left a lot of loose ends.

I wish that it would have just stuck to the perspectives of the couple.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was a fairly good read.

I give A Sensible Arrangement 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Bethany House. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

An American Tourist and a Kenyan Orphan Unite - My Review of Hope Runs

Written by: Claire Diaz-Ortiz and Samuel Ikua Gachagua

Published by: Revell

I am always interested in reading memoir type books, and that is why I chose to read and review this one.

Hope Runs tells the story of a girl who loves to travel, and takes a trip to Kenya that ends up lasting longer than she had planned. Claire stays to help out at an orphanage, and finds herself feeling a parental sort of love for one of the little boys living there. This book shares their story through the perspectives of both Claire and Sammy.

Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy memoirs. Those whose lives have been touched by an orphan.

What I liked:

This book opens your eyes to another culture.

This book is written in first person, something that I find unique for a memoir type of book.

What I didn’t like:

Most of the chapters were a little long for me.

Parts of the book were boring and hard to read.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was a decent read, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had thought that I would.

I give Hope Runs 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Revell. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Grown Up Children's Tale - My Review of The Easter Donkey

Published by: Ambassador International

Written by: Donna Thornton

Illustrated by: Lynne Pryor

I always enjoy reading and review children’s book and – with Easter coming up – I was excited to read and review The Easter Donkey.

The story:

This book explains the message of Easter as learned by a donkey, through the help of a cat.

The illustrations:

The illustrations in this book are fairly grown up and serious, not as cute as I would have liked.

How strong is the book?

This is a relatively sturdy hardcover book.

Who the book is for:

Toddlers through young school aged children.

What I liked:

This book explains the Easter message in a unique way.

Children will appreciate the animals in the story.

What I didn’t like:

The story is written in a grown up way and doesn’t exactly flow smoothly.

My conclusion:

Overall, this is an okay read.

I give The Easter Donkey 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Ambassador International. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Cute Story of Love - My Review of Along Came You by Karona Dummond

Published by: ZonderKidz
Written by: Karona Drummond
Illustrated by: Estelle Corke

I always enjoy reading and review children's books, and Along Came You is no different.



The story:

This simple book tells about how a woman's life changed after her child entered it.

The illustrations:

Are cute and really remind me of my niece and myself.

How strong is the book?

This is a sturdy boardbook.

Who the book is for:

I would say that this book would be enjoyed by infants through preschoolers. Girls.

What I liked:

I like the fact that this book doesn't outrightly say that it is about a mom and her child - even though I'm certain that is what it is supposed to be about -  so I can apply it to my niece and myself.

The story is cute and sweet.

The pictures are simple and fun.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing about this book that I didn't like.

My conclusion:

Overall, I liked this book.

I give Along Came You 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Book Look. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A 1960's Story of Family - My Review of What Follows After

Written by: Dan Walsh
Published by: Revell

I am always interested in reading any fiction, and that is why I chose to read and review What Follows After. This story of a family torn apart through the parents' separation and the kidnapping of their young boy, combines a little bit of mystery with a wholesome tale.



Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy both contemporary and historical fiction. Men and women alike.

What I liked:

The pro-marriage message.

I appreciated the fact that parts of this book are written from the children's perspectives.

The story was interesting and enjoyable to read.

What I didn’t like:

Parts were a little boring.

I felt this book was written from too many different perspectives - I would have liked it limited down to just three or four, personally.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was a pretty good read.

I give What Follows After 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Revell. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Not About Grace as I Expected - My Review of Parenting the Wholehearted Child

Written by: Jeannie Cunnion

Published by: Zondervan

I was planning on liking this book. I really thought that I was going to. There are so many Christian parenting books that demand perfection, and this one didn’t…

…or so I thought.

Really, I found that this author appears to be a perfectionist, and Parenting the Wholehearted Child is about raising perfect little kids.

Who the book is for:

This book is meant to be for parents, but I enjoy reading parenting books as an auntie and writer.

What I liked:

I was really excited when I read in the beginning about how the author thought that we should encourage our children’s relationship with Jesus – as that inspires them to obey – rather than just teaching our children to obey.

What I didn’t like:

Don’t understand or agree with the part that was anti-tattling. That is just lazy parenting in my mind. I could go off on a rant about this, but I won’t.

The whole peacemaking chapter bothered me, as it was really about treating children unfairly.

Overall, Jeannie seems to correct her children for every little thing, and expects more from them than any adult expects from him/herself.

The part that completely ruined this book for me was the quote from Tedd Tripp. The quote, in and of itself, was not bad, but it was from the book that absolutely nauseates and disgusts me. That ruined any respect I had for this author.

The book also shared a quote from Dare to Discipline, another book that I strongly disagree with.

My conclusion:

Overall, this book is messed up.

I give Parenting the Wholehearted Child 2 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Book Look. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Long, Boring Read for Me - My Review of An Infinite Journey

Written by: Andrew M. Davis
Published by: Ambassador International

I am always eager to grow and learn, so I like to read and review Christian books that I think might draw me closer to God through growing and learning. That is why I chose to read An Infinite Journey.



Who the book is for:

I would say that this book is for those who like to think a little deeper than I do, and who want to read an exhaustive book on the subject of growing to be more like Christ.

What I liked:

The heart behind the book is good, I'm sure.

What I didn’t like:

But it was just too long and boring for me.

Also focused more on actions that we need to complete, rather than faith and grace.

My conclusion:

Overall, I didn't really like this book.

I give An Infinite Journey 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Ambassador International The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Open Your Eyes to a New Culture - My Review of If You Were Me and Lived in Turkey

Written by: Carole P. Roman

I read a few of the other books in this "series" from Carole P. Roman, and I really enjoyed them, so I was happy to receive a copy of If You Were Me and Lived in Turkey to read and review.



The story:

This books shares what it is like to live in Norway - from popular names to popular food.

The illustrations:

Are fairly simple and rather cute.

How strong is the book?

This is a flimsy paperback, which should be fine as long as it is taken care of.

Who the book is for:

I would recommend this book for preschool through third grade.

What I liked:

I love that this book introduces children to a whole new culture.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I didn't like.

My conclusion:

Overall, this is a good, educational read.

I give If You Were Me and Lived in Turkey 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Quality, Christian, Children's Entertainment - My Review of Iesodo

I was recently given the opportunity to review two DVDs from the Iesodo series. These shows use a group of birds to reenact stories from the Bible in order to impart lessons to children.

                                               

My nieces and nephew loved the faith version. Absolutely loved it. My three year old nephew kept asking to watch it again and again, and is currently borrowing the DVD so that he can watch it on a regular basis. My 18 month old niece has never really sat through any show yet, but she was instantly drawn in to this, even giggling at some of the antics that went on.

The love version didn't go over quite as well with my oldest nephew, but his sisters liked it just as much.

In both versions, one of the birds is supposed to be like Jesus. After watching the show - without a whole lot of explaining from any of us grown ups - my nephew was outside playing in the snow when he suddenly said "I think the white duck was like Jesus".



My conclusion:

Overall, these DVDs are great. Personally, I even found them a bit entertaining as an adult.

I give Iesodo 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Edify Media. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Cute Nighttime Bible Storybook - My Review of My Bedtime Story Bible

Published by: ZonderKidz
Written by: Jean E. Syswerda
Illustrated by: Daniel Howarth

I say it all the time, but I really like reading new children's books and Bibles. I was excited to check out My Bedtime Story Bible for that reason.



The story:

This book includes 28 classic Bible stories, each written in a way that is perfect for reading at bedtime.

The illustrations:

The pictures in this book are simple, fun, and cute.

How strong is the book?

This is a sturdy hardcover.

Who the book is for:

I would recommend this book for babies through preschool aged children.

What I liked:

The illustrations are nice.

The stories are simple and cute, and I love that they end in a way that encourages sleepiness.

The size and look of the book is nice.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I didn't like.

My conclusion:

Overall, this is a good children's Bible storybook.

I give My Bedtime Story Bible 5 out of 5 stars.


I received this book free to review from Book Look. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.