Showing posts with label autobiography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autobiography. Show all posts
Monday, September 25, 2017
The entire tone of Truth Doesn't Have A Side is one of humility. Dr. Omalu doesn't seem to take any part of his story for granted. He points to God's mercy and provision in his life throughout several key moments. He points out that his discovery of CTE isn't because of anything special in him, but simply because he doesn't share the same conformational intelligence that a native born American could about football. Throughout all of his struggles, especially the fight surrounding CTE and the NFL, Dr. Omalu does his best to minimize his part in the story. The focus is the truth about how full contact sports affect the brain. The focus is on the people who suffer for the sake of entertainment for the masses.
Truth Doesn't Have A Side is an easy and engaging read. Whether one is interested in football or other contact sports should not determine whether or not one reads this book. Dr. Omalu's story would be compelling even if his life was lived entirely in obscurity. People with interests in many areas will find something to relate to or appreciate in Dr. Olamu's life.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookLook 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
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
An Outlaw and A Lady: A Memoir of Music, Life with Waylon, and the Faith that Brought Me Home by Jessi Colter tells the story of musician/songwriter Jessi Colter and her life with Waylon Jennings. One of the main focuses of this book is the story of Jessi's journey of faith.Born Mirriam Johnson, Colter's early life was a simple one in the Arizona desert. The daughter of a miner and minister, Colter's life revolved around music from the beginning. She often sang hymns during her mother's revivals. She was encouraged by her family, specifically two of her older siblings. It was through them that she met her first husband who introduced her to the professional side of music. It wasn't until after her first marriage ended and she started a relationship with Waylon Jennings that her professional career gained traction. It was also during this time that she returned to the faith of her childhood. This is what sustained her during the turbulence that being in Waylon's life caused.
Colter's writing style is easy to read and flows really well. Her story is engaging and easy to relate to even though it involves larger than life figures such as Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and George Jones. The simple but always exciting story of God's redemptive grace is evident in the life of Colter and those around her. Anyone interested in autobiographies, personal stories of redemption, or one of the greats of country music will enjoy An Outlaw and A Lady.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookLook 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
Thursday, January 5, 2017
SSG Mills' story is a pretty typical one until his injury. He recounts growing up a star football player in small town America. He enlisted after feeling aimless and unfulfilled during his short time in college. He met and married his wife in a whirlwind romance between his first and second tours, and they had a baby girl between his second and third tours.
The first three quarters of so of Tough As They Come is about SSG Mills' life before his injury. It includes amusing anecdotes from his childhood and stories about his experiences during his first two tours. As an infantryman and a paratrooper he saw a lot of action and served his second tour in the remotest, barest regions of Afghanistan. His personality comes through the description of his life. Its obvious he looks at things positively and uses humor to deal with tough things. He loves hard, works hard, and play hard. All of these things would come into play during the recovery from his injuries.
It's obvious SSG Mills doesn't view himself has a hero, though he is, just as are all the other men and women who have served our country. His tenacity and spirit are great examples for anyone facing adversity. Tough As They Come is easy to read as it feels like one is just listening to an entertaining storyteller. It's well written and appropriately paced. The excerpts of his wife's journals and other recollections from people in his life add a unique flavor that give credibility to Mills' character and personality.
I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in stories about overcoming adversity. Those interested in the stories of soldiers or the war on terror should also read this book.
Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review. 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
Monday, November 19, 2012
The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack is the story of how God uses seemingly random and disconnected events as He weaves beautiful stories of redemption among His people. It is the tale of two stories that eventually become one. One of those stories involves the incredible survival of three Mexican fishermen after nine months adrift at sea; the other is about a successful man brought down by the pressure of trying to do life on his own.
Kissack was a fabulously wealthy and successful part of the television industry. He rose quickly to the top and had everything he thought he wanted. Eventually the emptiness of his life ate away at his soul, and Kissack spiraled into addiction, separation from his wife and children, and suicidal behavior. Jesús, Lucio, and Salvador are three Mexican fisherman who got lost at sea and spent over nine months drifting across the Pacific Ocean. Using alternating chapters, Kissack describes the rise and fall of his life, and the story of the fishermen from the beginning of their trip through their rescue and return to Mexico. The two stories become one when during his time of rehabilitation, Kissack hears the story of the fishermen and realizes that they hold the key to what he is searching for.
The Fourth Fisherman is an easy and fascinating read. Kissack seamlessly weaves the two stories together in an easy to read fashion. Many people will be able to relate to the difficulty faced in both stories. The truth of the sufficiency of God in both stories comes through in a powerful way. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in a good story, reading about the fullness of Christ in people's lives, or even just an easy read.
Kissack was a fabulously wealthy and successful part of the television industry. He rose quickly to the top and had everything he thought he wanted. Eventually the emptiness of his life ate away at his soul, and Kissack spiraled into addiction, separation from his wife and children, and suicidal behavior. Jesús, Lucio, and Salvador are three Mexican fisherman who got lost at sea and spent over nine months drifting across the Pacific Ocean. Using alternating chapters, Kissack describes the rise and fall of his life, and the story of the fishermen from the beginning of their trip through their rescue and return to Mexico. The two stories become one when during his time of rehabilitation, Kissack hears the story of the fishermen and realizes that they hold the key to what he is searching for.
The Fourth Fisherman is an easy and fascinating read. Kissack seamlessly weaves the two stories together in an easy to read fashion. Many people will be able to relate to the difficulty faced in both stories. The truth of the sufficiency of God in both stories comes through in a powerful way. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in a good story, reading about the fullness of Christ in people's lives, or even just an easy read.
I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogging for Books 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
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Ascent from Darkness by Micahel Leehan, is an autobiographical story of Leehan's journey from deep inside satanism to Christianity. Leehan leaves nothing to the imagination as he recounts everything from his initial exposure to satanism, to the various pacts and agreements he made with Satan, as well as the rituals and sacrifices involved in his worship of Satan. Throughout this period of his life, which spanned decades, his exposure to Christianity and the Church played a key role, both in his practice of Satanism, as well as in his eventual deliverance from that and his redemption by Christ.This was my first exposure to satanism beyond simply being aware that it exists. Leehan's straightforward explanation of his rituals, practices, and interaction with Satan and his demons can be pretty terrifying; you can almost feel the darkness emanating from the pages. I read the first hundred pages in one sitting and then had to put it down for a few days to kind of take a breath, pray, and dwell on Christ. Leehan's writing style flows very quickly, and the story itself is so intriguing, that overall its an enjoyable read as far as the act of reading goes. The content however, is pretty disturbing, which will effect the overall reading experience.
Thankfully, Christ is more powerful than Satan, and Leehan's story doesn't end mired in darkness and hopelessness. Instead, it ends with another astounding story of God's amazing grace and power. After years of His pursuit, with the support of some wonderful men of God, Leehan surrendered his life to Christ. The story of Leehan's journey and deliverance is ultimately full of hope, as it shows that no one can go so far that God's love and grace can't reach them.
I'd recommend Ascent From Darkness to those who may currently be involved in some form of devil worship, but want out. I'd also recommend it to a believer who may be dealing with someone in that situation, because Leehan is very honest about how it feels and what goes on. Those who may be contemplating becoming involved in some form of devil worship will also benefit from this book, and hopefully be steered away from this lifestyle as a result.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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
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