The Happiest Life by Hugh Hewitt

If read from the perspective given in the introduction – that this book is a gift to the author’s children – it is tolerable. It reads as an autobiography and displays anything but humility from the author.  

As promised on the cover of his book, Hewitt addresses seven gifts and seven givers. Each gift and giver is given its own chapter. Much of the book is consumed with stories and examples from Hewitt’s experiences with guests on his radio show. Hewitt has interviewed many colorful people, and this is clearly evident in his book.

Simply reading the list of what the seven gifts are and who the seven givers are would have been enough for me. They served as solid reminders. However, I found the chapters themselves to be vapid. Hewitt talked at length about his numerous interviews, and I found the prose to be pretentious. The word “wonderful” was used to abundance, and overall I think the book lacked substance, and as mentioned before, humility. Hewitt’s advice about the seven gifts and seven givers almost seemed unattainable for someone who hadn’t had his experiences – but of course they are not. Not that this is a requirement, but the only Biblical mention seemed forced and trite – Bible verses appeared after the title of each chapter.

I do not recommend this book to others.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

The People Factor by Van Moody

Van Moody’s The People Factor is everything the cover suggests it is – efficient, honest, and interesting.

Moody addresses the many types of relationships that people have and confidently but strategically and carefully teaches why some relationships hold us back and others propel us. While giving Biblical and personal examples of relationships good and bad, Moody shows his readers what they are losing by being in toxic relationships and how they can be more effective by changing, ending, or beginning relationships.

On the cover of this book is the statement “How building great relationships and ending bad ones unlocks your God-given purpose.” Often books lure readers with spiritual references and promises and fail to deliver thoughtful, meaningful Biblical study and relativity. Moody, however, delivers. While teaching his Laws of Relationships, Moody delves into Biblical relationships as models for his readers. He does not simply give a passing reference – he searches their lives and stories for relevance for what he teaches. His laws are Biblical and logical. It was satisfying to read a book whose principles for living are authentically grounded in the Word. Reading this book often felt like a Bible study.

I recommend this book to others. Moody’s chapters are intelligent and easily digestible.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Humility: An Unlikely Biography of America's Greatest Virtue by David J. Bobb

If nothing else, Humility: An Unlikely Biography of America’s Greatest Virtue by David J. Bobb compels the reader to thoughtfully deliberate the definition and effects of humility.

Immediately, Bobb intentionally dismisses any “sissy” definitions of humility and highlights its strengths. He writes, “Humility is strength, not weakness. It is the crown of the virtues . . . It is the backbone of temperance, and it makes love possible” (6). With this definition firmly established, Bobb introduces “five humble heroes” (9): George Washington, James Madison, Abigail Adams, Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass. Bobb devotes a chapter to each American figure and shows how their humility engendered their greatness.

Bobb is certainly a committed and impassioned scholar. Nonetheless, I had a hard time following his theme throughout the entire book. All parts were interesting and informative, but at times Bobb seemed to strain to make connections to humility, and I think the book could have been more engaging if he included other character traits as well, and even stories, in an effort to highlight humility.

The section on Frederick Douglass was by far the most interesting, as it clearly showed how Douglass’ understanding of humility changed during his early years and how his change in understanding allowed him to become a magnanimous man. The final three sentences of Bobb’s book are true and provocative and encapsulate his message (and highlight his style): “The arrogance of our age supposes that prosperity is perpetual and success inevitable. America’s history of hard-won humility tells us otherwise. As individuals and as people, we must rediscover our greatest virtue” (188).

I recommend this book to other readers.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Once-a-day Country Faith compiled by Deborah Evans Price

Once-a-day Country Faith compiled by Deborah Evans Price is a compilation of 56 country music stars sharing thoughts on their favorite passages of Scripture.  

The page design and artistry of the book is beautiful. Each entry is accompanied by a crisp, creative photograph of the artist. Along with the photo, each page contains the artists’ name, his or her chosen passage of Scripture, and his or her thoughts about that Scripture.

While reading through this compilation, I was inspired to rethink about some of my favorite passages of Scripture and to reflect on what the artists’ shared about theirs. Some of the artists’ reflections were short and simple, but the majority read as though they were honest and well-thought-through, such as Joey Martin Feek and Rory Feek’s, Lorrie Morgan’s, and Danny Gokey’s entries. Some reflections were so filled with the truth and goodness of God’s Word that I noticed tears rising in my eyes. While some Bible verses were repeated, there is a wide array of verses, and this book invites the reader to sit down and reflect and share with artists and fellow believers and seek God through Scripture. Reading spiritual perspectives from the artists we listen to and sing along with on the radio highlights a new dimension of their work.

What makes this book most appealing is its striking design.

I recommend this book to other readers.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Secrets of Dynamic Communication by Ken Davis

Secrets of Dynamic Communication by Ken Davis is the straightforward and effective guide it promises to be.

Davis walks his readers through the steps that will lead them to being powerful public communicators. His format is manageable for beginners and is a concise review for readers who need a reminder and fresh perspective on what the ingredients of effective communication are. His book is organized in three parts: preparation, presentation, and application. The principles he teaches are embodied in his acronym SCORRE. He begins by challenging his audience to focus and then walks them through the SCORRE process. He provides Review sections and opportunities for practice.  

I enjoyed this book. While there were parts that were less intriguing than others, overall the focus that Davis challenges his readers to seek and achieve is what makes this book a valuable resource. The book is well organized, which also makes it an accessible reference book. I appreciated that Davis mentions the art of rhetoric, and he also emphasizes and demands precision from his students (the readers). There are many quotable lines in this book, and his advice on using body language is especially enlightening. His personal anecdotes also amplify his message. I can easily tell that Davis is an author who practices what he preaches, and this knowledge makes me respect him and want to apply his principles.

I recommend this book to other readers.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

American Phoenix: John Quincy and Louisa Adams, the War of 1812, and the Exile that Saved American Independence by Jane Hampton Cook

American Phoenix: John Quincy and Louisa Adams, the War of 1812, and the Exile that Saved American Independence by Jane Hampton Cook is an accessible, entertaining, and informative narrative.

The early 1800s – years of cultivation and characterization for the United States – are told through the story of John Quincy and Louisa Adams. Cook tells American history largely from the perspective of Louisa Adams when she is on European soil. The location of the American diplomats allows for the War of 1812 and the events leading up to it to be told with a European slant: The reader gets inside information about what was going on across the ocean. Cook spends ample time discussing Napoleon and other significant figures in Europe, and the bits of conversation recorded from the Adams’ journals enliven the story.

The excerpts of journal entries are expertly intertwined with the narrative and add authenticity to the story Cook is telling. However, often Cook makes assumptions about what may have been happening at the time, and while her claims are undoubtedly researched, the language used to include them removes the reader from the setting and causes the book to be read more as a textbook and less as a narrative.

Nonetheless, the book intrigued me and sparked desires for further research. The way in which Cook portrays Louisa is inspiring. I want to read more about her story. Also, the excerpts Cook included about Abigail Adams made me want to read more about her too. Cook’s prose (she composes beautiful sentences) and research successfully entertains, educates, and inspires her readers.

I recommend this book to other readers.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

 

The Christian Mama's Guide to Baby's First Year by Erin MacPherson

The Christian Mama’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Erin MacPherson is an accessible, digestible helper for moms.

With humor, style, and Christian poise, MacPherson engages moms (and moms-to-be) in a personal dialogue about what the first year of child-rearing entails. MacPherson knows the emotional struggles new moms have, and she tackles them carefully. Her positive outlook on even the ugliest messes of motherhood helps moms to feel hopeful and relaxed. Through her descriptions of the first few weeks post-delivery, to the breast-feeding debate, to knowing the Baby Gear “Essentials,” MacPherson becomes her readers’ friends and cheerleaders.

MacPherson carries on the soft humor, compassion, and reality checks that were enjoyed in The Christian Mama’s Guide to Baby’s First Year. The second book is more compact than the first, and MacPherson’s tone gives the reader a seamless glide through the pages. It’s definitely not a rigid resource book; thus the style does seem to be verbose at times, but if the book is approached as an afternoon adventure then the style is right on. MacPherson does not rush through her tips – she takes time to share her experiences and to write in a pleasing narrative voice which makes this book so much more than a “guide.” It is a place where moms can turn for grounded advice from a sister-in-Christ.

The book is well organized, and because of how the Contents are outlined, it is easy to access just one or two chapters for a second, third, or fourth reading. MacPherson’s Checklists, Top Ten Lists, and “Time-Out for Mom” sections are helpful. Her groupings (in which readers can certainly place themselves) of “Types of People You May Encounter at the Park” was especially entertaining: “The Wheatgrass-Fed Organimommy,” “The Frat Guy,” The Type A Supermommy,” “The Public-Displays-of-Adoration Couple,” and more, are laughable and true enough – but her descriptions are even better. Through her humor, MacPherson gently pushes her readers to take a good look at their priorities and personas as moms.

MacPherson always brings her points back to a spiritual ground, and as in her previous book she devotes a couple of chapters to dads.

I recommend this book to other readers.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.