Netgalley Review: Hot, Holy, and Humorous

Do you want to be a hottie in the bedroom without sacrificing holiness? How can you make the most of God’s gift of sexual intimacy in marriage?
Wrongful thinking and behaviors regarding sex permeate our culture. Christians need to reclaim sexuality and enjoy it in the way God intended.
 
God does not shy away from the subject of sex. The Bible shows a better way in every area—including the marital bedroom.
 
In Hot, Holy, and Humorous, author J. Parker gives candid advice for wives from a foundation of faith with a splash of humor.
 
This book can boost your sex savvy and improve your marital intimacy. And guess what? With God’s perfect design, you and your spouse can enjoy the most amazing sex!

My Review:

While there are references to love and lovemaking in the bible, there aren't exactly a lot of hot and steamy passages, or any detail about trivial marriage things, like how Abram and his wife decided (probably together, I don't see any woman making such a decision on her own) that he should sleep with someone else for the good of the future. 
There are many (perhaps too many) references to Star Trek in the first chapter of Hot, Holy and Humorous. While I appreciate the first chapter describing how to spark common romance in the relationship, the constant Star Trek references took away from it. As it so happens, I'm the less romantic one in our relationship and I don't like the implication that I'm an emotionless alien.
But it got better. Parker breaks down how to write a love letter you don't totally hate, and mentions that if it makes the great poets roll in their graves your mate will likely love it anyway. 
Between common obstacles that spoke directly to my heart like having totally off sleeping schedules, not knowing how to buy lingerie, being okay with more than the missionary position, and how to initiate sex, I felt like Parker was the best friend I never had. The whole book being centered on God was a bonus.
My favorite idea: having sex in a homemade fort. 
This book did have more to-the-point descriptions and diagrams involved, which I appreciated. I'd actually probably give this book to my daughter when she's of age. But if you blush easy, you might want to stay away.
4.5/5

NetGalley Review: Meditation for Moms and Dads

Meditation Practice for Moms and Dads: 108 Tips for Parents and Caregivers boldly claims that a thriving meditation practice is not only possible, but an absolute must for the parent/householder. It isn't an empty claim. The author, Shana Smith, is doing it. Her journey is profound, funny, and fabulous. This entertaining combination of tips, real-parent stories, and poetry demonstrates that parents can squelch the mindset of ""I can't"" to ""I will,"" and celebrate the opportunity to embrace parenthood and worldly life itself as a vital spiritual practice. "








My Review:

This book starts out with a brief introduction to meditation and great tips to combat those swirling thoughts that jump on you now that you've slowed down enough to think them. 

The tips themselves are a little new age, but not bad. I don't think I'll be explaining meditation to my kid as "seeing fairies in the forest" and no, I don't have guilt over sitting her in front of Peg + Cat for a half hour of quiet. What really bugged me was the art. Every few pages there are stick figure drawings. I'm not sure if her kids made them, but I wasn't expecting art at all in this book. If anything, the art in the book should match the art on the cover. 

Between the wording and passages that don't quite fit with my religious beliefs and the stick figure drawings (seriously...why?) I'm going to say skip this book. There are plenty of other meditation sources in the world, my favorite of which is visual or guided meditation. Look it up on youtube.

ebook review: Raising a child who Prays

In a society that is quickly abandoning its biblical standards, parents can create an effortless culture in their home that lends itself to the spiritual development of their child.

David Ireland, known for his dynamic teachings on prayer, provides a framework that helps parents elevate their prayer life, then parents can pass along the secrets to their little ones so they too may become spiritual giants over time. Parents will be equipped with practical exercises, sample prayers, and developmentally appropriate mentoring plans that will encourage their children to pray effectively now and into adulthood.






My Review:
I'll be honest. I want a child who prays, but I don't even really, truly know how to pray myself. So I got this book for some pointers, fully expecting to be told "welp, nothing doing if you don't have a solid relationship with the big man yourself."

Don't get me wrong, that's essentially what the first chapter says. But what struck me was that it didn't say "you have to be the end-all be-all perfect prayer-er." It said, instead, "practice. Take a tiny bit of time out of your day to say a prayer. Just start, and make sure you are doing it because you want Christ" Which essentially is what my husband told me when we first started discussing my conversion.

Ireland breaks it down into three steps: Purpose, Pattern, and Power. I love that the steps for leading your child to pray are the same steps for teaching yourself, and that example prayers are included for people (it can't be just me) who have no idea where to even start praying.

The effective teaching principles and engaging stories from the bible and more modern times kept me interested and reading on to the next chapter. I now have a framework for how to guide my daughter in a faith I just discovered, and would recommend this book to anyone looking for a little guidance as well.

NetGalley review: Minute Motivators for women

If it’s true that behind every good man is a great woman, then you’ve got an important job! Women are influencers. You influence your husbands, your children, your church community, your coworkers, your neighbors. That means you have a big responsibility. Take some time right now for yourself. One minute could make all the difference for you and for those around you.

About Stan Toler:
Stan Toler is senior pastor of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and hosts the television program, "Leadership Today." He conducts seminars throughout the U.S. as the Model Church Instructor for INJOY Ministries, a leadership development institute for pastors. He has written over 30 books and is co-author of The Year Round Church Event Book.



My Review:
Light purple isn't used nearly enough in book covers, but it's fitting on this one. This book was way better than I expected it to be. In fact, the only reason I even picked it up was because I went 'Minute? Well it shouldn't take too long to read, then.'
I'm so glad I got to read this, though. Each passage is short, yes, but no word is wasted. I was highlighting a passage at least every few pages, and some motivators are so simple that you forget how effective they are because you just haven't done them lately.
Prime example: "Rest". It's explained to us that rest doesn't mean going to the beach or hanging out on facebook. It means taking a dang nap. And the last time I took a nap without feeling guilty was, honestly, elementary school. We forget little things like this that can make a huge difference in our lives.
It's notable to say there are more in this series, including minute motivators for teachers, leaders, teens, etc. This series would make a great gift for someone you care about. 

ebook review: 52 ways to love your body

Do you look in the mirror and see all the things you dislike about your body? For many of us, the first step to loving our bodies is being able to look at our reflection and not criticize what we see. And in a culture that worships thin, beautiful celebrities, it’s easy to feel like we just don’t measure up. So, how can you get over your flaws and focus on your fabulous?
52 Ways to Love Your Body is packed with easy and fun practices—one for each week of the year—to help you toss perfectionism out the window, turn down the volume on that nagging inner critic who is always going on about what's wrong, stop the never-ending comparison game, and finally love your body. You'll also find encouraging, in-the-moment affirmations to keep negative self-talk at bay, and give you a much-needed pick-me-up, any time, any place.
If you're ready to start loving your body, this book gives you 52 ways to get started now. So, what are you waiting for?


My Review:
Honestly it took some effort to get past the author's personality to judge the content of her book. "Lawyer-turned-teacher-turned-writer who talks to her heart while balancing on a wobbly indoor standup paddleboard yoga mat unless she's raising chickens" didn't exactly scream 'I'm relateable! I get what you're going through!" to me. 
That, and the self promoting (don't forget she wrote another book, guys!) got on my nerves. It took away from actually flipping through the chapters to find something that I could say "yes. this is useful to me." About a third of the way in, I was losing hope, but the Aspirations chapter finally got on my level. 
But I don't really get the sense that Simpkins really got to a point where she seamlessly loves her body. In a few chapters she mentions things like "If I don't do this, I feel horrible but then I do it again and the bad voices go away."
I'm not trying to take a medicine for self love that only works if you do it. I think of a self-relationship as just that--a relationship. I should be fine indulging in a spa day every couple of weeks, not going into 'self massage' withdrawals. 
Overall, not for me. I don't buy it, but if you're also a lawyer-turned-hippie-turned stay-at-home-whatever then you might like this book. 

365 devotions to peace

The Christian life isn’t exempt from times of difficulty, strain, and worry. But God didn’t intend for you to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. He offers an amazing gift to those who fix their eyes on Him: peace.


This 365-day devotional will help you release your worries to God and discover the peace that only He can give. Each devotion offers an encouraging Bible verse and closes with a prayer to help you find peace in the midst of any circumstance.


Spending each day with the Author of peace will bring a restful and refreshing year. 




My Review:

From the first time I opened the book, this book has helped me. I don't read it every day, but it has the prettiest cover (the thumbnail really doesn't do it justice) and I like to pull it form the shelf whenever I feel stressed and only have a few minutes to find peace (mothers of toddlers know what I'm talking about. Using a devotional coloring book isn't always practical).

I definitely recommend buying this book and keeping it in your purse or bag, so you can pull it out at work or at home whenever you need it. Don't feel pressure to open it up every single day, but keep it in mind when you need a gentle push in the peaceful direction.

rating: 5/5

book review: Plant Seeds. Grow Roots. Know Happiness: Words of Wisdom from Meditations with God

Do you ever wonder what God really thinks? Do you find it difficult to feel His presence in your life? Do you long for a connection that doesn’t seem to exist?
If so, take comfort in knowing you are not alone. Recounting struggles with religion, spirituality and shame, Plant Seeds. Grow Roots. Know Happiness. is a deeply personal and moving account of the author’s journey to find and cultivate a relationship with God.
Using meditation as a gateway to finding His voice, this book reaffirms that having an intimate connection with a higher power can be surprisingly simple, and that everything we need exists right within ourselves.
Plant Seeds. Grow Roots. Know Happiness. is filled with proclamations of hope and encouragement for anyone looking for reassurance that God does indeed exist, and that we all really, truly are enough – exactly as we are.
Goodreads  | Amazon


My Review:

I really enjoyed this book. It didn't change my life, but it reminded me of the early days after my husband had converted me and I was learning to pray. I heard God's voice offering gentle nudges in the right directions. At first I didn't honestly believe it was God, but after talking with my husband and explaining "I pretty much told him what I wanted and had a clear statement as a thought about what I should do about it." He confirmed that's how prayer works sometimes. After a while, like the author, the voice came less and less often and I got worried that I wasn't praying right or often enough, but my husband assured me that's how prayer works sometimes, too. 

This is a sweet book to have in a church gift shop or to give as a gift to your favorite religious relative. As for myself, I'd probably buy the kindle version rather than taking up space in my bag. 
4.5 stars

I received this book from a goodreads giveaway. 

ebook review: Fuck Feelings

The only self-help book you’ll ever need, from a psychiatrist and his comedy writer daughter, who will help you put aside your unrealistic wishes, stop trying to change things you can’t change, and do the best with what you can control—the first steps to managing all of life’s impossible problems.
Here is the cut-to-the-chase therapy session you’ve been looking for!
Need to stop screwing up? Want to become a more positive person?
Do you work with an ass? Think you can rescue an addicted person?
Looking for closure after abuse? Have you realized that your parent is an asshole?
Feel compelled to clear your name? Hope to salvage a lost love?
Want to get a lover to commit? Plagued by a bully?
Afraid of ruining your kid? Ready to vent your anger?

Goodreads

Amazon

My Review:

I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There's a saying that goes around when you work in collections: Don't let your emotions get in the way of your money. I fully expected this book and I to get along right away and for me to sing it's praises at work.

This book and I got off to a rough start. I found it obnoxious, cynical and unfunny to boot. This idea that self improvement efforts are a fools game and it's better to admit your inadequacy didn't exactly rub well with me. Thankfully, it started getting better when he authors clarified that aiming for perfection is what the problem is, not just improvement. Once we got the fact that you have to know your limits out of the way, we got along swell.

Well, reasonably swell. I still didn't see the humor in the writing. It's like an obnoxious person tried to show off how smart they were, failed, and made a half hearted attempt at humor via the destruction of ego and dreams everywhere.

Or maybe when an academic and his self-labeled sketch comic daughter combine it's not as magnificent as nepotism promises to be.

But give the second chapter a try (like I said, me and chapter one aren't at all amiable) and see for yourself. Maybe I just don't have a sense of humor. Maybe I have too much faith in myself and my abilities. Whatever.

Rating: 2/5

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

ebook review: author power: profit before you publish

Author Power by Lynn Isenberg reveals case studies and how-to scenarios for authors to empower themselves to generate income and enhance distribution before (and after) publishing. Foreword by SJ Hodges. Special thanks to SpacePen.com. 

Author Power is packed with invaluable information, stories, road maps, and experiences about how to empower yourself as an author, publisher, marketer, and impresario. The Impresario is like the book conductor who pushes your publishing forward. You must be a passionate impresario (producer who handles finances and pulls everything together) to ensure a profitable book and success story. 


Buy on Amazon



My Review:

I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts with a glowing forward, followed by what basically reads as a sales page: exciting to read, but little actual information. I did like the graphics and format, which made it quick to read and easy to skim. And though I consider myself a retired writer because of the publishing and self publishing bs, this book made me want to have a manuscript so I could have author power too.

ebook review: rewire your anxious brain

Do you ever wonder what is happening inside your brain when you feel anxious, panicked, and worried? In Rewire Your Anxious Brain, psychologist Catherine Pittman and author Elizabeth Karle offer a unique, evidence-based solution to overcoming anxiety based in cutting-edge neuroscience and research.

In the book, you will learn how the amygdala and cortex (both important parts of the brain) are essential players in the neuropsychology of anxiety. The amygdala acts as a primal response, and oftentimes, when this part of the brain processes fear, you may not even understand why you are afraid. By comparison, the cortex is the center of “worry.” That is, obsessing, ruminating, and dwelling on things that may or may not happen. In the book, Pittman and Karle make it simple by offering specific examples of how to manage fear by tapping into both of these pathways in the brain.

As you read, you’ll gain a greater understanding how anxiety is created in the brain, and as a result, you will feel empowered and motivated to overcome it. The brain is a powerful tool, and the more you work to change the way you respond to fear, the more resilient you will become. Using the practical self-assessments and proven-effective techniques in this book, you will learn to literally “rewire” the brain processes that lie at the root of your fears.

Amazon  |  Goodreads

My Review:

This is another one of those books that I got from NetGalley a long while ago and am now taking care of since I'm no longer battling my husband for control of the kindle (which he breaks...often). 
I mostly skimmed the first chapter of this book because I already knew the basics of the cortex and amygdala from psych 101. But I'm glad that chapter was included so people who haven't learned it can become quickly up to speed.


Once we got to the actual application part of the book, I was a little disappointed to see it all pared down to breathing and relaxation for panic attacks, and things like exposure therapy for established triggers. While it is cool to know the why behind these practices, I cant say they helped me because I knew the practices themselves have gotten me out of panic attacks before without having to read a book.

ebook review: addicted to busy

Are you busier than you want to be?
Than you need to be?
Than you are meant to be? 
It's time to break busy.
We are all spread too thin, taking on more than we can handle, trying to do so much—almost as if we are afraid that if we were to take a moment of rest, we might discover that all our busyness is covering up an essential lack in our lives.

But God never meant for us to be so busy. God desires for us peace. God desires rest.

Brady Boyd shows you how to live a life that embraces stillness and solitude and finds the peace that God wants for you.

Goodreads  |  Amazon

My Review:

I've been working on catching up on NetGalley, at least the books I still have that weren't lost forever due to not downloading them on time.

It took me a while to get to this book. I was, ironically, too busy. But the author's voice was easy to follow, and interesting enough to want to keep following. I enjoyed the "breaking busy" challenges at the end of each chapter, but I think thats more of a testament to my character than anything else. I like being able to interact with my books and I LOVE challenges.

While sometimes I felt like if I ever met Brady I may not get along with him, I greatly admired his ability to be 100% honest with himself. And honestly, that's the only way anyone will get to start recovering from anything.

As my office goes into overtime season for the holidays, I might think of this book. But I might also push the thought aside. Either way I'll keep this book in mind for when I get older and ready to slow down. I'd recommend this book to everyone except most people in my generation will take the advice and ignore it like I probably will. But everyone maybe 30 years or older, or working parents who may be too busy for their kids sometimes should definitely give this book a go.

Book Review: Instant Happy Journal

This colorful diary inspires journalers to apply happiness guru Karen Salmansohn'sInstant Happy principles to their everyday lives, with 365 prompts to encourage a year of gratitude.
     On the heels of Karen Salmansohn's wildly popular gift book Instant Happy comes this happiness journal, with daily prompts to help you think about and apply happiness wisdom to your own life. Each page features a specific intention, inspiring quote, surprising scientific fact, or thought-provoking question to ponder. When you approach your day with Salmansohn's "happiness prompters" in mind, you amp up your ability to notice (and create!) many more joyous moments in your day. But that's just half of what it takes to live a supremely happy life. This journal teaches the top two habits of happy people: to naturally set their intention to enjoy a happy day, then end the day reflecting on what made them happy. When you end your day writing about what went right, you further strengthen your happiness mindset. With fill-in dates so that you can write and reflect at your own pace, this little journal features a graphic design and fresh attitude perfect for today's modern happiness-seeker.

More book info  | Author Info  | Amazon  | Goodreads

My Review:

I haven't read the companion book to this journal, but the author put her mission statement in the beginning of the journal that gave meaning to this journal and made me want to read the book one day. I got a physical version of this, and the cover is brilliantly designed. It's hard to protect the pages inside but flexible so you can maneuver it to write in the pages without damaging the cover.  It's also got a little ribbon as a built in bookmark.

What I also love about this book--other than it's a journal and I love journals--is the design of the pages themselves. The journal areas are short enough to not overwhelm you and long enough to write down what you have to say in regards to the prompt. And the prompts? Love them. They aren't too vague nor too specific, so no matter what you do for your daily activities, they apply to your life. I haven't used pencil on these pages or crayons, but the pages take to different kinds of pens really well. I haven't yet had to look at a pen and say "well, can't use that one. Bummer." 

And also, you can fill in your own dates. Why is this great? Maybe we don't have time to write every single day, especially on overtime days. Maybe this page doesn't apply to my day as well as THAT page does. The fill-in-the-date format lets you do these pages at your own pace, in whatever order you want. Buy this book for you, for a friend, a coworker, or family member. You won't regret it.

I got this book for free from Blogging for books in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Coffee Run

The Coffee Run: And Other Internship Need-to-Knows is a unique how-to for high school and college students, and includes not just lived but well-researched guidance for those trying to find and make the most of their internships. Based on real and honest internship experience, it is chronological advice, preparation, and lessons for undergraduates interested in any industry. Cleverly told and boldly motivating, this one hundred page pre-internship course book will be a staple of high school and college curriculums.

Buy on Amazon


My Review:

I got this book through Goodreads Giveaways.

This book was like the opposite of what I expected. I saw the cover and the title and the sub-title and thought "oh, funny stories about internship that have lessons learned the hard way." It's actually far more practical than that.

I didn't really like this book as it in no way applied to me nor interested me, BUT I think it will e a very useful book for anyone looking for not only an internship but any kind of job. This sort of book is something I wish I had read when I was looking for my job.

Overall, would I buy it? Yes, but as a gift and I really wouldn't buy as many as I would have if it was the type of book I expected it to be.

Book Review: Live Long, Live Passionately

Replete with personal stories and quotes and imbued with Casey’s own understanding of peaceful living as guided by her 12-step practice, A Course in Miracles, and a daily practice of meditation and prayer, these 75 essays help us make room for everything in our peaceful, vibrant, well-lived life. Each brief nugget invites contemplation and action as she helps us explore fear and love, resistance and acceptance, willpower and discernment. Each essay ends with additional questions and prompts for you to explore your own life. Savor each of the essays and practices and choose the ones that speak to you.

Living Long, Living Passionately brings peace into daily life and is a book to return to often. It will appeal to Casey’s legion of readers who are approaching the time to live “everythingness,” the doorway to the unfolding of a life already well lived. The rest, as they say, is gravy.
Buy on Amazon

My Review:

I got this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I'm not nearing retirement. I mean, I'm 22. I just started working. I move way too quickly for retirement, even way too quickly for some of my coworkers, who have slowed down after 4 or more years with the company. I felt like this book went too slowly for my world.

But I liked the inspirations for journaling. And I think this is going to be a good book to return to when I am ready to slow down and enjoy life more than I enjoy work. 

This book definitely strikes me as a great gift. And while it's not a book for me right now, it promises to be useful to me in the future.

Book Review: The New Pastor's Handbook

Start your ministry off strong--and smart
If you're like most new pastors, you will suddenly realize in your first years of ministry that you are not prepared for many of the practical aspects of your calling. The New Pastor's Handbook is your guide to navigating these unfamiliar waters. With his hard-won wisdom, pastor Jason Helopoulos comes alongside you as a trusted friend and mentor to help and encourage you through your first years of ministry. He'll show you how to
· start out strong at a new church
· persevere during difficult seasons of ministry
· lead meetings and delegate tasks
· safeguard your family
· fight discouragement, pastor envy, and a lack of contentment
· navigate special ministry needs, such as hospital visits, weddings, and funerals
· and much more

Buy on Amazon

My Review:

I got this book for free through a Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway.

I'm not a pastor. I didn't exactly go seeking out this book. I don't see me or anyone I know becoming a pastor. But, if I were to meet someone fresh out of Seminary School who thought his learning was done, I'd find a different church. Helopoulos acknowledges that a pastor's learning is never finished, never mind what a diploma implies. 

Even if not exactly relevant to mt life, I found the chapters interesting and the author humble. Definitely recommended for those looking to be spiritual leaders and teachers.

Book Review: Got your Attention?

In an impatient world of infobesity, people don’t want more information—they want to be intrigued and they want to be intrigued fast. After all, goldfish have longer attention spans than humans—nine seconds to our eight. So, right now, people want to know, “How is this relevant and useful to me? Why are you worth my valuable time, mind, and dime?”

Bestselling author and ace communication strategist Sam Horn reveals her “secret sauce” for truly connecting with people—whether it’s one or one million. Her disruptive eight-stage INTRIGUE process teaches readers how to replace boring, overlong, one-way communications with concise, compelling, mutually rewarding two-way interactions that add value for all involved. This is a must-read for executives, entrepreneurs, sales and marketing professionals, nonprofit leaders—anyone who wants to build meaningful relationships with others.

The bottom line? If you can’t get people’s favorable attention, you’ll never get their business. The insights and instantly useful ideas here will get smartphones down and eyebrows up—this book has been called How to Win Friends and Influence People for our digital device-driven era. Readers will appreciate these innovative but proven ways to win respect and motivate people to take action now, whether that’s to hire you, refer you, fund you, or say yes to you.

Buy on Amazon

My Review:

When I get a book like this from giveaways, I judge it by the promises it makes and whether the author keeps their own advice.

So, Author keeping their own advice: Check.
Short chapters and action questions (promise): Check.
Getting my attention: Check
Keeping my attention: Nope. Got as far as the 'I' in INTRIGUE and put it down.
Being relevant to my life: half check. I don't make speeches, this isn't relevant to my work, but I did throw some ideas around for reviews and such.


Overall: 3.5, but the fact that I couldn't even make it halfway through rounds it down.

I got this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

book review: Happiness

Christians are supposed to be happy. In fact, we are supposed to radiate joy, peace, and contentment that is so unmistakable and so attractive that others are naturally drawn to us because they want what we have. And yet, in today’s culture, the vast majority of Christians are perceived as angry, judgmental people who don’t seem to derive any joy from life whatsoever. So why aren’t we happy?
Unfortunately, many Christians are taught early on that God doesn’t want us to be happy (he wants us to be holy). In fact, many Christians are laboring under the false notion that God himself is not happy. But nothing could be further from the truth! God does want us to be happy. The Bible is filled with verses that prove that ours is a happy, joy-filled God who not only loves celebrations but also desperately wants his children to be happy. Why else would He go to the lengths He did to ensure our eternal happiness in His presence? We know that we will experience unimaginable joy and happiness in Heaven, but that doesn’t mean we can’t also experience joy and happiness here on earth.
In Happiness, noted theologian Randy Alcorn dispels centuries of misconceptions about happiness and provides indisputable proof that God not only wants us to be happy, He commands it. The most definitive study on the subject of happiness to date, this book is a paradigm-shifting wake-up call for the church and Christians everywhere.

Buy on Amazon

My Review:
Randy Alcorn's 'Happiness' didn't change my life. I was already more or less happy--more so since having converted to Christianity. I have heard of the happy vs. holy vs. joy argument before, so none of these nearly 500 pages (!) came out of left field for me. Every so often I did have to text a verse to my husband for clarification, context, or his opinion whenever a reference felt off to me, but whenever he replied it made sense with what Alcorn was stating. 

If you're a new Christian, this is a great book. This is a great book if you're an old Christian too. But because I found a lot more meaning and fulfillment in getting input on certain passages, I think this book would be even better as a discussion or book club book. Certainly something I'd like to see in a church gift shop or library.

I've read some varied early reviews, and I do somewhat agree and disagree with other's opinions. For instance, I don't think Alcorn is stating "if you're not happy in life you're sinning". I think he meant more along the lines of "if you deny your happiness in what God has given you in the name of being holy instead of happy, you've basically slapped God in the face." But that's what makes this book such a good discussion/book club book. We could talk about these things with friends or colleagues at the same time, maybe over the course of a month as you read this because again it is a pretty long book. 

My tip for reading this book: get a binder clip to act as both a bookmark and a page holder. It will save your fingers/hands from getting cramped or tired.

Book source: Tyndale Blog Network

Ebook Review: 100 Deadly Skills

A hands-on, practical survival guide from retired Navy SEAL Clint Emerson—adapted for civilians from actual special forces operations—to eluding pursuers, evading capture, and surviving any dangerous situation.
In today’s increasingly dangerous world, threats to your personal safety are everywhere. From acts of terror to mass shootings, and from the unseen (and sometimes virtual) matrix of everyday crime, danger is no longer confined to dark alleys or unstable regions. Potentially life-threatening circumstances can arise anywhere, anytime, and Clint Emerson—former Navy SEAL—wants you to be prepared.
100 Deadly Skills contains proven self-defense skills, evasion tactics, and immobilizing maneuvers—modified from the world of black ops—to help you take action in numerous “worst case” scenarios from escaping a locked trunk, to making an improvised Taser, to tricking facial recognition software. With easy-to-understand instructions and illustrations, Emerson outlines in detail many life-saving strategies and teaches you how to think and act like a member of the special forces.
This complete course in survival teaches you how to prevent tracking, evade a kidnapping, elude an active shooter, rappel down the side of a building, immobilize a bad guy, protect yourself against cyber-criminals, and much more—all using low-tech to “no-tech” methods. Clear, detailed, and presented in an easy-to-understand and execute format, 100 Deadly Skills is an invaluable resource. Because let’s face it, when danger is imminent, you don’t have time for complicated instructions.

Buy on Amazon

My Review:

 I picked this book up for several reasons. Those who know my reviews won't be surprised to find I picked it up for the cover. But AFTER I looked at the cover, I thought it would be a cool book and I might find some things to try with my husband. I then thought further and hoped this would lead to practical application for women traveling alone, or adult women who have to travel at night, as my case sometimes is.

What I liked immediately about this book was Cliff's note to readers, making clear he's not interested in creating heroes or vigilantes, but in public safety. He stresses that the safest option will always, always be to escape or run.

What I found as I read this book was a really great reference for writers. There were plot bunnies abounding as I read this book. Yes, there are practical self defense ideas and even workout regimes (you thought being deadly was something you can do from the couch?) But all of that was mostly for entertainment and side knowledge that I might have learned from tumblr if I looked long enough. But the side tips, drawings, civilian application to every "violent nomad" skill, and PLOT BUNNIES EVERYWHERE made this book go from an average 4 to a 5 star book. Definitely something I would have for my shelves.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley for an honest review

Review: What Love Looks Like

Moving, Personal Accounts of God's Love from 12 Noted Leaders 
The Church is known for many things. Love is not usually one of them. 
Is it possible to show a hungry world the kind of love the Bible promises? Here are candid stories from twelve respected leaders in the renewal today, promising us that the agape love of God is strongly at work--if we are willing to be vulnerable for his honor. 
Jesus challenges us to let him pour out his love through willing vessels. These remarkable stories inspire us to become outlets of the love through which Jesus will change the world. 
Contributors are Heidi Baker, Stacey Campbell, Mahesh Chavda, James W. Goll, Joan Hunter, Harry R. Jackson Jr., Patricia King, James Maloney, Jackie Pullinger, Mickey Robinson, Doug Stringer, and Barbara Yoder.

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My Review:

This book has a lot going for it. It's easy to read, emotional, and changed a small part of my life and thinking. I highly recommend this to Christians because sometimes we get so caught up in the small do's and dont's and different interpretations of the bible that we forgot the top two commandments: Love Me [God] above all, and love [everyone else] your neighbor as yourself.

I mean, every single decision we make comes down to these two rules. You just have to ask yourself: Am I loving God and this person by picketing this funeral? By feeding these people? By refusing to marry these people? By taking in these refugees?

I love that I have this book on my shelf because it's something I can see myself coming back to and reading whenever I feel I've lost myself or my focus in life. The only thing that wasn't exceptional (but kind of was, in it's own way) is that these essays are so brilliantly written and I wanted so bad to cry while reading this. Generally that's a sign of a really good book but I was at work and I work in a call center, so crying is a no-no. 

So Why not 5 stars, Kristina? Like many Christian books, some parts seemed ridiculous and overboard, like refusing to go to the hospital because you want God to heal you--not something I would ever tell my daughter to do. But I mean if you can focus on the overall message I'm sure you'll find it a five star read.

Dear Mister Essay Writer Guy: Review and Giveaway

Have you ever wished there were an advice columnist for writers, but one who didn’t take things so damned seriously? This unique writing guide pairs questions sent in by top contemporary essayists with hilariously witty answers and essays from acclaimed author Dinty W. Moore. Phillip Lopate asks for advice on writing about your ex without sounding like an ass, Julianna Baggott worries that to be a great writer you must drink like a fish, and Roxane Gay asks whether it’s kosher to write about writing.

Taking advantage of all the tools available to today’s personal essayist—egregious puns, embarrassing anecdotes,  and cocktail napkins—Professor Moore answers these questions, and more, demystifying the world of nonfiction once and for all. With a tip of the hat to history’s most infamous essay—Montaigne’s “Of Cannibals”—this book provides rollicking relief for writers in distress.

Author Info   Book Info   Buy on Amazon

My Review:

This book was funny, informative, and--most important--fit inside my purse. I adored the little illustrations interspersed in the book, especially when the author chose to write an essay entirely on cocktail napkins. I've never read this author in a newspaper, a fact that is not likely to change as I don't read newspapers, but I'll definitely buy the next book if there is one to make up for it. 

This book is great for aspiring writers, students, teachers, and fans of grammar. The only thing that I didn't enjoy--though I'm not sure if this was a result of the writing or a result of working while reading, but I lost interest towards the end of the book. I found myself scanning longer essays, reading with a poker face instead of trying to keep from giggling as I had with the previous essays.

In full disclosure, I got this book for free from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review.


*****GIVEAWAY: I somehow ended up with two copies of this book, so there will be two winners! I'll be picking winners at the end of next week (on October 22) and shipping out on October 30!****
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