A Bounty of Books

Flight of Shadows by Sigmund Brouwer is a novel set in a dystopian American future. Centered around a girl who is the product of a crazed genetic experiment and the cast of characters that are involved in her life, Flight of Shadows attempts to take the reader on a suspenseful journey to the truth.

Overall, Flight of Shadows is one of the worst books I've ever read. The narrative is told from so many points of view that I had a hard time developing any sort of attachment to, or investment in, any of the characters. The continual switching of points of view among so many characters was confusing as well. The story itself is convoluted and the characters as a whole unlikeable. There were elements that were shocking for seemingly no reason other than being shocking, for example when one of the characters bites of and eats the head of a rat. The lack of character development is part of this. I think it was meant to be a cautionary tale of what happens when scientists attempt to play God, but it just ended up being terrible.

There isn't really any element of this book that worked for me. I didn't connect with the characters, the story was convoluted, there was no message to take away or any entertainment value. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone I know.

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

The Voice, New Testament is a daily reading Bible, meant to bring new life and greater understanding to the words of scripture. The Voice is a new translation put out by the Ecclesia Bible Society. In the preface, it says that "The Voice is created for and by a church in great transition...Instead of furthering the division over culture and theology, it is time to bring the body of Christ together again around the Bible." The preface also tells how The Voice is unique among other translations. Instead of simply being done by scholars, "The Voice uniquely represents collaboration among scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and other artists."

The Voice, New Testament has many extra features to aid the reader in his/her understanding of the scripture. There are reading plans for Advent, Lent and Easter, and personal growth, as well as a 24 week complete New Testament reading plan. Each book has an introduction that sets the stage for the reader as far as author, setting, and context. Throughout the scripture there are little blocks of commentary to further explain what is going on. The Voice, New Testament also includes a topical guide and an appendix on the titles of Jesus. As part of the unique features of The Voice translation itself, dialogue is set apart with each person's name, like one would see while reading a play. There are also words in italics throughout the scripture that help the reader understand any nuances the original audience would have inherently understood.

Overall, I really enjoy The Voice, New Testament. The translation itself is not only easy to read and understand, but beautifully written; the combination of both scholars and artists in the group that did the translation provides an accurate rendering that recaptures the power and beauty of the original text. The italicized words are not a distraction, but an easy way to see what was originally inherently understood. The commentary is helpful and relevant, and the fact that it follows whatever verse or passage it is describing is extremely convenient. The design is appealing; the color scheme and font is both visually appealing and understated. It's obvious everything was chosen for optimal comprehension, not to be flashy or draw attention away from the text. I would definitely recommend this Bible to anyone, wherever they are on their journey of faith.

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

Out of A Far Country by Christopher and Angela Yuan is a dual story about both a son's journey through a promiscuous homosexual lifestyle, drug abuse, and prison, as well as a mother's journey from hopelessness to redemption and restoration. Taking turns in alternating chapters, Christopher and Angela give their perspective on the journey they took over the course of about eight years, from the moment Christopher came out to his parents, to the moment he got out of prison and finally came home. Besides the story, the book contains an eight part study guide for both individual or group use.

This book is a very interesting and engaging read. The chapters are short, and both Christopher and Angela keep their side of the story short and sweet. The main difference between the two is that Angela records more what was going on in her heart, and Christopher records more what was going on in his life in general. Christopher's journey from the club scene, to doing drugs, dealing drugs, then prison is an honest look at how one bad decision can quickly snowball and set the course of a life. The story of Angela's dedication to seeing her son come to Christ is inspiring; her faithfulness in prayer, fasting, and even going so far as to ask a judge to send her son to jail long enough for him to find Christ are almost mind-boggling. That level of dedication and faithfulness is rarely seen, and convicts me about my lack of faithfulness in prayer for those in my life who don't know Christ.

One might think that a book from a Christian publisher about someone who is homosexual would end with that person becoming heterosexual. That is not the case with Out of A Far Country. Christopher's conclusion about sexuality and what the Bible calls for is more nuanced than simply being gay or straight, and involves one's identity as being defined as a child of God, more than simply as a gay or straight person. While some may disagree with his conclusions, I believe his conclusions about what he calls holy sexuality are consistent with Scripture. I applaud his openness about his life, and his willingness to have a nuanced discussion and stand for a position that many would condemn him for. These are the kinds of discussions that need to occur more often in the church.

The only complaint I have with the book is that the Yuan's important discussion about sexuality is confined to the last chapter. Hearing their story is great and important to provide context, but I don't fell as though their overall message was given enough space to do it justice. Their website (http://www.christopheryuan.com/) has much more information and better answers questions raised by Christopher's definition of holy sexuality. Overall I'd recommend this book to anyone willing to move beyond the basic straight/gay conversation, or anyone who'd like an insight into what its like to live in someone else's shoes.

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

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

The Scroll, by Grant Jeffrey and Alton Gansky is about an archaeological dig taking place in modern day Israel that has explosive results. Following Dr. David Chambers, the book focuses both on the dig and Chambers' personal live, and how the two intersect. As the dig progresses, it becomes clear that those who have financed and commissioned the dig have a much bigger plan than simply uncovering some old artifacts.

The story of The Scroll builds pretty slowly. I was at least 1/4 of the way through before I read something that had to do with the actual plot, and not just back story. However, once the pace picks up, the rest of the story moves along at a fairly fast pace. There were some surprising elements, some good and some that required more of a leap than the author's description and classification of this book would lead the reader to believe. It almost feels like I signed up for a somewhat historical book, and ended up with a fantasy one instead. The character development was weak, and the attempts at it were somewhat distracting as a result. Overall, The Scroll was an OK read, but not something I'd recommend to friends.

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

Stumbling Into Grace by Lisa Harper is about how the love Christ and his extreme mercy/grace is completely overwhelming and transformational in a person's life. Written for women in a combination diary/devotional style, the book makes the reader feel as though Harper is a dear friend. This sense of connection allows a bigger impact to be made on readers, because of the centrality of connection in women's lives. Harper's main point is that even with all our mistakes, mess ups and stumblings along the path of righteousness, Christ delights in us and is beside us every step of the way.

Reading Stumbling Into Grace is a lot like ducking in a cafe during a rainstorm, and unexpectedly seeing an old friend. Harper's style instantly makes one feel at home and safe. Her honesty allows readers to connect with her in the unique way that only sharing sorrows and mistakes allows; it also gives her permission to speak truth into the reader's life. There are moments I laughed out loud as I read, and it was obvious she was laughing as she remembered the story herself. That shared sense of story seeped through her words, and lodged in my heart.

The way Harper breaks each chapter into three parts (personal story/scripture/interpretation of scripture) is very reader friendly. Each section is very manageable, if one wanted to use the book in a more devotional style. Her content was both challenging and inspiring. Her use and interpretation of scripture is sound. I recommend this book to any woman who would enjoy hearing the story of a fellow traveler on the journey of life as a believer.

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

Extraordinary: The Life You're Meant to Live by John Bevere, is a guide on how to break out of mediocre living and instead live an extraordinary life. Going off the premise that it is an inherent desire of humanity to live a life that is beyond normal, Bevere attempts to show the believer how he/she was intended to do this. He does this in a very systematic way, with one chapter building on the next, so that none of the basics are missed.

The main thrust is that believers already have the ability to live an extraordinary life, they just don't access it. In the first chapter Bevere says, "the power to accomplish remarkable feats and live an exceptional life is not tied to an occupation but to a disposition of the heart. This is not only God's will but also His great pleasure." (p. 4)

Unfortunately, Extraordinary is anything but. This is the first of Bevere's books that I've read, and I was very disappointed. While I agree with the basic premise that believers were meant and have the ability to live an extraordinary life, I am bothered by the way Bevere presents going about it. What he says pretty much boils down to the premise of the prosperity gospel - God wants all of His children to be wealthy and healthy, and when something goes wrong its because one doesn't have enough true faith.

Beyond the doctrinal differences I have with the subject matter, the book itself is redundant and hard to work through. Bevere states at the beginning that each chapter builds on the one before it, so each is key to the next. In reality, the same content is in several chapters. There isn't enough unique content to fill the entire book, so the same thing is said over and over again to the point that my brain shut off after awhile because there was nothing new. Overall, this is a very poorly written book that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

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