Book Review: Untangled (and a Giveaway!)

Where do you place your worth??

Wow. I feel like this book was written for me.

From the first pages that Carey Scott pens in her first published venture, "Untangled", her words resonated with me. She introduces you to herself in a very transparent, humble and personal way at the get-go, and the reader is able to see why she could have so many insecurities lingering and fighting to control her soul. In her book, Scott points out the various "knots" that can "tangle" up our lives; from our family and friendships, to our home and the social media, she connects how each of these facets can deceive us, warp our expectations of ourselves and steer us away from our focus on Christ, whispering into our soul that we are "not good enough". She also notes how these insecurities can affect those around us, and the ripple effect that can last for generations when we try to untangle our own knots instead of relying on the Lord to loosen the knots and redeem them in His time. Whether it is our marriage or facebook profile, we can place things on a pedestal in our hearts, and by placing an unhealthy emphasis upon their opinion, turn them into false saviors in our lives. Since only the sovereign Lord is constant and unchanging, this wreaks havoc upon our self-worth.

In each chapter, Scott wittily and whole-heartedly tries to point the reader to the power and validation of worth that is found in Christ alone and how, in His eyes, we are of immeasurable value. Almost every chapter ends with a personal testimony from different women, Scripture verses to anchor us to the Rock, a sample prayer to help break that specific tangle in our lives and questions to reflect. Bible verses are also scattered throughout each chapter, although this was my biggest beef with the book- along with seven other versions, the main "translation" of the Bible used was The Message. I guess I must be old school, and I'm sure it helped make the book flow, but I don't think Scripture needs to be simplified in order to make it personal and relevant. For example, at one point she reflects upon us being the salt of the earth, but the Scripture quoted refers to us merely as a "seasoning". Personally, I feel as though this translation takes away from the depth of meaning that can be found in the Word.

When "Untangled" first came up as a review option to my email, I almost did not request it, because I figured it was another one of those Christian living, self-help books being written today. They are a dime a dozen. I'm so glad I changed my mind. Personally, I think this is one of the best books I've read on this subject. As I read each chapter, my own depravity and helplessness become more and more evident, as well as the necessity for God's grace in every aspect, every moment of my life as I guard my heart against the insecurities that want to rise up within me. Although there is a lot of meat in each chapter, it is a quick read and I highly recommend this book.

.. so much so in fact, that if you comment here or text me (because I know how many of you guys roll), I will put you in a drawing for your very own copy (because mine is covered with underlines, notes and prayers in the margins)... and if it doesn't bless you like it blessed me, you can always pass it on :)

Let's make the giveaway deadline in a couple of weeks, so the 21st. :)

Disclosure of Material Connection: To abide by the law of the land, in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I just wanted to let y'all know that I was blessed to receive this book free from Revell in exchange for my review.

Book Review: Just 18 Summers

I normally shy away from fictional novels. It’s not that I do not like them, but I feel like they are not necessarily a good use of my free time, as I would prefer even my “free” time to be productive in some manner; thus I tend to lean towards books that will lead to spiritual or personal growth. And to be fully honest with you, I also lack self-control. When I start reading a decent fictional work, I get caught up in it so that I can’t focus mentally on the tasks around me until I put the completed book down. Even when the ending is predictable, it’s hard for me to sleep until it is finished… not so bad when I was single, but not when I am married with three little ones running around!

So why did I choose this book to review? I read the description and background behind the book and was interested before I realized it was a novel. But by then my curiosity had gotten the best of me and well, let’s just say I didn’t mind staying on the exercise bike ;)

Written by Rene Gutteridge and Michelle Cox, Just 18 Summers is a novel about four families that struggle with grief, identity and life in the summer after the death of Jenny Browning. From the memories and written accounts in the book (each chapter is written from the perspective of different characters), the reader easily deduces that Jenny was not only a wife, sister, and friend, but also a devout believer in Christ whose life had a left a rippling effect in those around her. Each family is thus left treading water at different stages of life, trying to do it alone, apart from God’s grace. Butch Browning is the father struggling with his new life as a widower. The Andersons are suffering regret as they prepare to “lose” to children to the next stage of life (college and marriage). The O’Reilly’s are a young couple expecting their first child. The Buckleys have fallen into the trap of trying to provide their children every opportunity the mother did not have growing up. 

By the end of the book, through the counseling of a therapist who happens to be a Christian, they’ve all learned the truth that an elderly billionaire learned too late, lonely reminiscing that 

When your child is born, eighteen years seems like they’ll last forever. But it goes by in a blink. … You have just eighteen summers to make memories together. You can’t go back and rewind those days. (p167) 

What a good message though! I’ve found myself thinking “18 summers” often since finishing this book, as it does seem to put it into a more tangible time frame how  much time I have with  my children; it is a good reminder to be intentional with our children, both in teaching them to walk in the Lord and to make lasting memories together, while also not being so fully absorbed in them that you don’t have moments to yourself to get the rest and break you need to rejuvenate yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Although their characters seem to each be a stereotypical extreme, they are nonetheless easily relatable- and I believe most people would be able to identify with one of the four families. Reflecting upon the novel, I was most able to relate to Daphne. No, I didn’t baby proof my home with pool noodles, nor did I worry my floor carpeting was too hard, but I do tend to seek out godly parenting books (you can almost always find one on the nightstand!) in order to try to garner “tangible, applicable” wisdom, when  in conviction I wonder whether if I just read the Bible and prayed whether I would be fairing just as well (if not better), rather than struggling with “not doing enough”, the same thought I think each of these four families struggled with at different degrees. So I appreciated the gentle reminder when Beth tells a laboring Daphne that, “All the books in the world won’t help you live in the moment… God has a plan and a purpose for this little child, and He’s letting you be a part of it, so don’t worry.” (p336) 

What a great reminder of the blessing (and calling) God has given us this Mother’s Day!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I will be received this book free from the publisher in exchange for the 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

Book Review: The Donkey Who Carried a King

With Palm Sunday just past and Easter approaching, I was reminded of a pdf file of a book I had received, reviewed, but with the craziness of life forgot to ever post. I'm not very good at the intangible. The Donkey Who Carried a King is a children's book written by R.C. Sproul, with earthy-toned illustrations by Chuck Groenink. Although it's title could hint towards it being a story about Palm Sunday, the triumphal entry is really only given a page spread in the book, as it's about so much more.

 

Sproul's frame narrative begins with a little boy Reilly walking home from a day playing with friends. He is sad because he was chosen last in their game. His parents direct him to the sage advice of his grandfather who then tells him the story of a donkey named Davey. Davey was a young colt who had yet to be chosen for any task. When he is finally chosen, it is to carry Christ in His triumphal entry through the streets of Jerusalem. After this privilege, Davey sees himself as too important for the trivial assignments given to him by his owner. Through the wise words of an older donkey, Barnabas, as well as later watching Christ walk to his crucifixion, Davey learns the lessons of servanthood, obedience and a joyful heart.

As with some of Sproul's other tales, my four-year old wasn't as interested with the story of Reilly so much as he was with the story of Davey. He did have empathy towards Reilly, especially as he recently had been told by another little boy that they were not friends (The beginning of many scars that will happen in his life, I'm sure, but still hard to take in!). He also enjoyed guessing the Bible stories when the donkeys were talking about their famous predecessors. I once again appreciated how Sproul includes in both narratives the involvement of the generations and the father looking to the older grandfather as a source of wisdom (Job 12:12). There were many wonderful nuggets and lessons tucked into the story and expounded upon in a 3-pg discussion portion at the end of the book. The main lesson being that Christ's life was one of servanthood reflected throughout His life and ministry, and is an example to us, His followers (Matthew 20:28).  I loved that Sproul uses the term "master" when the two donkeys speak of their owner. It makes reality hit home more when the older Barnabas instructs, "...whatever the master decides to put on our backs. Every job is important, even carrying a sack of olives, and you should do your best to do it well." The story shows how God chose Jesus for the worst job- taking the sins of mankind with Him upon the cross; with whatever task we have before us, we should perform it diligently with a cheerful heart for the Lord (Colossians 3:23, I Thess 5:16-18). A good lesson when reinforcing the menial tasks around the house (and a good reminder for this Mama when she is often weary from her calling)! This was a good reinforcement for my young child, who is already constantly trying to be a servant and knight. In addition, both the donkey and the boy struggle with identity and purpose, areas where I think many can relate as well. I was able to use this to show my son that we are children of the King and He is our faithful Friend and will never forsake us.

In conclusion, our family enjoyed this book and I would recommend it, again, not as a book specifically about Easter week (though the story finishes with Christ's resurrection and the resulting hope for mankind from His shed blood), but as one to help establish biblical character traits. I do enjoy adding it to our books we read during this Easter season however, as it adds a side narrative to the already well-known story and celebration in our home.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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

Book Review: Let There Be Light

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and best-selling author/illustrator Nancy Tillman were teamed together to produce Let There Be Light. With text taken from his Children of God Storybook Bible, this book is written for young children. It elaborately tells the creation story with anthropomorphic detail to make it personal and palpable for the child, including phrases such as, "God's love bubbled over when there was nothing else" and "God... clapped his hands together in delight. 'Isn't it wonderful!'". In addition, Tillman's artwork is imaginative and vivid, with intricate layers such as the wrinkles on the elephant, and the flower bursting forth from an African plain and music sheet.

 

I thought the illustrations were beautiful and creative. In each picture, Tillman places either the image/form of God or His hand, to show that He was actively involved in the creation of the world, hovering over its existence (although it could be semantically argued that God merely had to speak, no hands needed...). The text only loosely follows Scripture, taking away some of the important repetition seen in Genesis 1 (although Tutu specifies the days, he only mentions the evening and morning differentiations, as well as that God saw it was good once), while embellishing to draw out the feelings in the young child, by reminding the reader of the glory of a flower or how noisy the world would've been after the creation of the animals. 

 

Although my two-year old child enjoyed the story, my only real issue with the book is surprisingly what my disappointed four-year old child also pointed out; after I finished, he said that the book was "plain". Asking him to elaborate for me (the illustrations and text seemed anything but!), he said that it wasn't the full creation story, because although God made children, he didn't do it on the sixth day, but instead made Adam and Eve. My child noted that unfortunately, they forgot to draw in these two essential characters to the creation story, with Tillman instead opting for a scene of multi-racial, crowned children enjoying creation.

  

I don't think that our qualm is necessarily a recommendation-killer, but I do think that Let There Be Light  is for those looking for a whimsical book with well-known names attached, whereas those who would rather have the creation account with less embellishment would be best served looking elsewhere.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  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

 

 

To see some of my other book reviews, click here.

Ramblings and a Book Review: The Prince's Poison Cup

If you want to avoid my ramblings, and jump straight to my review... click here :)

Erasmus, the Dutch theologian and scholar was known to have once said,

"When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes."

I don't think I'm quite to that extreme, but I come pretty close. Back in high school and college, the people in Borders knew me. And I never let their bimonthly coupon go to waste it seemed, as I would just sit in the religion section and just stare, wondering what I should purchase next (you know, back when I was single and working with no responsibility :). It reminds me of a library book that my son once borrowed. A pirate came into a library, map in tow seeking to find the treasure that his "X" marked. The patient librarian throughout the book slowly taught him to figure out that the real treasure is found within the pages of a book. There's so much knowledge that can be had if the author chooses... sometimes good and sometimes bad.


The older I've gotten more children I've had, the more I've learned that my time is valuable and rare. These are precious minutes to myself-- and thus, with these book reviews I post, you will rarely see a fictional work that doesn't have substance to it. Don't get me wrong... I won't fault you for reading romance and the like, but I want to learn, to grow, to mature from what I read. And though they might not sound like fun to you, after being forced to read the great authors such as Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy, Dickens, Shakespeare and Austen... well, is it no wonder that C.S. Lewis is one of my favorites??

My poor children.

Thus, they were doomed from the start. Their bookcases are filled with classics and Caldecott winners, board books and purchases from the ubiquitous Christianbook.com sales. And of course, there are the freebies. I've already mentioned that we enjoy getting free books in the mail each month (I've actually been slowly trying to prepare Liam for the fact that his books will stop come May). Some have cute stories, but there are times I don't care for the secular message or worldview in them, and out of the house they go, when little eyes aren't watching (until then I change the words- the blessing of them not reading yet :)  But with my book review program, I'm always on the lookout for books to add to their library, ones to help them grow. It seems like Liam has started to go that way too. Not sure if it's age, or personality.

His current favorites?

• Berenstain bears
• The Brave Young Knight (Karen Kingsbury)
• The Way Home: A Princess Story (Max Lucado)
• Pirates on the Farm (Denette Fretz)
• Twice Yours (Nan Gurley)
• The Crippled Lamb (Max Lucado)
• Jesus Storybook Bible(with cd)
• Adventure Story Bible (with cd)

Both light and heavy. I'm usually reading him at least one of those almost every day. Which is saying a lot if you were to see all the books he has. Don't get me wrong, he still likes all the others and I read them daily as well. And he will sit next to you for anything you would be willing to read him, even asking you to start over if he's missed the first few pages (even when I am counting ladybugs with Aiden... no joke!). But he loves stories with a message. And I love them, as I love seeing how creative authors can be in teaching Biblical truths to the little ones.

Enter my most recent book review. A friend recently had written a post on books with godly concepts for children. A couple of the books I had read earlier, but had never purchased because Liam was just a toddler at the time. Too young. But I was curious what he'd think now and decided to give it a go. So I was given a pdf copy of The Prince's Poison Cup to review (and will be compensated with a hard copy in exchange for this review :).

The Prince's Poison Cup is an allegorical book that begins with a little girl, Ella, who has a stomach ache and is given medicine by her father. Unlike the sugary syrups in today's world, this one did not impress the child and she asked the question, "Why does medicine taste so bad if it's going to make us well?". Her father passes the baton to her grandfather who then tells the child a story about the King of Life who can create anything; He has created a beautiful park for His people and enjoys walking in it with them. He also created a lovely fountain, but gave them strict instructions not to drink it's clear flowing water. Of course they are tempted by his archenemy, and their hearts are turned into stone as a result. They leave the park, set up their own dark city and remain in that state until the Prince enters their city to rescue them. Sent by the King, the Prince must fill a golden cup with murky, smelly poison that bubbles up from their city's fountain. When he drinks it, he dies, amongst a triumphant cold-hearted crowd. The King enters the plaza however, brings Him back to life, and the fountain is transformed. The Prince offers this new water as life to all who would come.

After reading the book once to make sure it was theologically sound, I read it to my four-year old. He loved it and has requested it multiple times the past few days. It could be just the boy in him, but he didn't really seem to get into the background story at all, usually zoning out at the end, and I think this book would have been just fine without Ella and her Grandpa.What did he enjoy about it? First, he liked the fact that there was a king and prince involved (he's Mommy's knight after all!). Next, he loved that the story was similar to the redemption story of the Bible. After every page, he excitedly say things like "the King of Life was like God, because He created the whole world too!" or "the archenemy was like Satan who pretended to be that naughty snake and lied".  The only thing he said was missing was that the Prince needed a white horse just like Jesus, though I had to remind him that Christ won't come riding on His white horse until the end. :)

I also thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The illustrations (by Justin Gerard) are lovely and capturing, from the rounded cherubic faces of those filled with love for their Creator, to the hardened, chiseled features of those whose hearts have turned to stone. The author, RC Sproul, is also the founder of Ligonier Ministries. On their website, he states that he started his ministry to "faithfully present the unvarnished truth of Scripture to help people grow in their knowledge of God and His holiness." I believe he accomplished this masterfully in this children's book, as even my four-year old was able to see the allegorical comparison. You can tell Sproul focused on every detail, hinting back to Scripture when he could (There are some great discussion questions and Biblical references at the end of the book). I loved the progression of sin that you could see with the people and the fountain (James 1:14-15, I John 2:15-16), and how he subtly establishes the respect for wisdom from the elderly. Personally, my only fault was at the end, where the Grandpa notes that the origin of sickness was brought about by sin- I felt that his contrasting explanation of this medicine to the cup of poison was forced. In the end however, I highly recommend this book, as yet another creative way (I'm always looking for them!) to teach such the story of God's love, sacrifice and redemption for us.

 

Book Review: Peace on Earth

Ever heard of Mary Engelbreit?

You have?! Well, once again... I hadn't.

She does have some nice artwork and lovely illustrations. She also came out with a new book, Peace on Earth: a Christmas Collection. It's a 40-page, illustrated collection of her favorite hymns and carols, quotes, poetry and short stories. It doesn't include anything about Santa, and all the selections are geared towards her theme of "peace on earth". I wasn't a fan however, as she seems to subtly imply that peace can come through the abilities of mankind, apart from Jesus Christ. Her illustrations of the Christ child also seem to include his mother, crowned with a halo.

For my full review, feel free to go here.

Book Review: Adventure Bible Storybook

It is rare that children's books come up for review in my review program. When I saw that this one came with audio cds for the Bible stories, I may or may not have set my alarm at 1am to make sure that I was able to review this one... ;)

The deluxe edition (the one that I reviewed) comes with the Adventure Bible Storybook and two audio cds. (The picture given shows the book's cover and an example of the illustrations inside). It states that it is geared towards 4-7 year olds. The first cd has 23 stories from the OT. The second cd contains 28 stories from the NT. Unfortunately, when verses were quoted, it was done in the NIrV (which I personally don't care for, and especially after Liam learning the 23rd Psalm KJV-style, made for a bit of confusion when he heard the narrator recite it). Besides that, my only other major gripe with the set is that the audio cd's don't have any type of specific sound effect for when the child should turn the pages of the storybook. Although Liam is learning how to read, he is nowhere near ready to be following along just by reading each story. And it ties up his Mommy to have to be near enough to tell him when to turn the page. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing- it just seems that if I'm going to be sitting next to him telling him to turn the page, I may as well be reading him the story. But then I don't have the cool sound effects and animal sounds that can be heard on the cd...

For a full review, written by yours truly, head on over here.

Book Review: Women Living Well

I'm thankful for the book review program I participate in, because I've stumbled across a few wonderful authors that I did not even know existed until I agreed to read their book. And then when I tell my friends, there is inevitably at least one of them that knew about that particular author already-- somehow I had just once again missed the bandwagon! And my most recent review is a case-in-point. I mentioned to a dear friend who stayed with us this past weekend that I was reading a lovely book called Women Living Well, and she instantly smiled and said she loved the website (she doesn't even have internet in her home). "You've never heard of it before?" she asked. Well, ummmm... nope. So this review is dedicated to all those who somehow have missed the bandwagon with me. Lucky for us, I think it is more like those cyclical cider mill tractor hay rides- that is, if you miss one, there's bound to be another rolling up sometime soon :)

With such practical advice and simple wisdom, it has definitely earned its place on my go-to bookshelf, alongside other favorites (like No More Perfect Moms and Bread and Wine)... which means that maybe in a couple of weeks (after I complete an included 10 day marriage challenge), my husband will be commending this book as well as some of the others :)

Click here if you want to read my review of the book Women Living Well, by Courtney Joseph.

or just skip the review and buy it :)