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NEW TITLES WE ARE READING

Anyone is welcome to submit comments on a Christian Book they are reading.  Just email us your comments or pick up a review form next time you visit us.  People might want to hear from someone other than me!                                     - - Lynda

 

   

 A Positive Life

This is an EXCELLENT book.  It is the story of a young boy growing up with hemophilia who contracted the HIV virus through treatments for his bleeding disorder.  The book cover said he "knew he had a choice - - - - to feel sorrry for himself  - - - or to live as faith-fully and boldly as possible."  After reading this, any minor aches or inconveniences in life will seem trivial to you. . . . if they don't, then you should reread the book and complete the Bible Study at the end!

(The publisher deserves praises for this title - - - and it is the same publisher who previously disappointed us with a book that contained profanity.)

 - - Lynda

 

 Stories of Faith and Courage from World War II

I have only skimmed a few pages but this looks like  it will be an excellent book - - especially if you need a gift for a war buff.  Not only is it a 365 page devotional but it gives a "unique and concise history of World War II with summaries, maps, and photographs of the major campaigns of the war. "  The majority of each devotion contains actual quotes from the soldiers.  More titles in this "Battlefields & Blessings" Series can be found at your bookstore.  We got ours at Lifeway.  AMG Publishers did a GREAT job with this.

 - - Lynda

   

 

   

 Predator

I think this is my favorite book by Terri Blackstock.  It is so timely as it is about an online predator of a social networking site . . . similiar to Facebook, where you can make instant postings about where you are, what you are doing, etc.  It really is a wake-up call for kids to be cautious about the info they reveal on any social network.  This is a real page-turner . . . . couldn't put it down  . . . . it's very suspenseful!

 - - Carol 

 

The Imam's Daughter

We truly don't know what goes on behind the closed doors of our neighbors.   This is a story of a girl who endured MUCH physical and emotional abuse by those who should nuture and protect.  I won't tell you the plot but it is definitely  worth taking time to read if you enjoy biographies.  It make me thankful for my "normal" upbringing and renewed my appreciation for the healing power of Christ.

 

(Disclaimer - A couple of profane words are in the text of this Christian Biography.  We may remove them before putting this book in circulation.)

 

After more discussion, our staff determined that this book would be returned to the publisher.  Even though there are "only" two cuss words, we said these words would never be found in our Sunday School Literature.  Also, they would not be said by us to each other or to any of our library patrons - - - so then why should our library patrons have to read them?  It is a shame that 270 pages of a good story felt the need to include them.  They weren't necessary.

 - - Lynda

   

 

 Songbird Under a German Moon

This is Patricia Goyer's newest release.  Her books are good.  They give enough history to show you some of the atrocities of war without being too detailed.   Combine that with a love story and a bit of mystery and you have an entertaining and relaxing book.

 - - Lynda

   

 

   

 Kyle Maynard, No Excuses

A typical successs story when there are overwhelming odds.  A lot of bragging but with no normal arms or legs, bragging is in order.  However, it is not Christian-like to purposely inflict as much pain on the other wrestler as possible.  In my day, this would have been grounds for disqualification.

 - - Ken

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes!

Maybe it's my age - - which is a possibility because other women my age like these books, too.  This one obviously takes place in the Netherlands.  As with the other books in this series, the reader learns some interesting tourist information about the country while enjoying a good story with a Christian message - - or two.

 - - Lynda

   

 

   

 Come What May

This film was made by homeschoolers.  It was very, very good - - - especially when compared to some others I have watched.  In addition to providing a story, it gives some answers to the question, "When does life really begin?"

 - - Lynda

 

 A Letter to Dad

Very slow-moving.  Not my favorite.  I felt like I was sitting in on someone's therapy session.

 - - Lynda

   
 

Inside the Revolution

"Islam is the way-Jihad is the means."  Five hundred pages explain this motto of the Islamic radicals who kill and feast on death.  The (mostly) Islamic reformers, moderates that try to keep the area from exploding.  The Revivalists, the few believers in the Muslim world who believe that Islam is not the answer, and Jihad is not the way; Jesus is the way.  Muslims have led millions of Muslims to Christ.  The evening news makes much of the first group, neglecting the last two.

 - - Ken 

   

 

   

 You Matter More Than You Think

EXCELLENT !

A family member saw  I was reading this book and jokingly asked if it was an "issue" or a "self-help" book I felt I needed to read.  I told them that I liked reading material by this author.  Plus, it is always good to know about the content of as many books in our library as possible so we can recommend them to our readers.

 

This is an interesting read in that it flows well and has enough illustrations to make the teaching easier to grasp.  Each chapter has questions to either ponder on your own or with a group.  This is a book women of all ages should read.  It has encouragement for everyone plus practical ideas and advice to apply or pass on to someone you are mentoring.

 - - Lynda

 

 To Fly Again

I may have to add this one to my personal library.  It seems I have read it every year the last three years.  She certainly does have a way of putting things in the proper perspective while keeping us focused on our Lord.  It's one of my top ten favorite books.

 - - Lynda

   

 

   

 Life Support & Life Everlasting

Audio Book

My husband and I listened to these in the car on a lengthy trip and also while carpooling to and from our jobs.  It's a great way to pass the time and they are commercial-free!   The author is a bit descriptive as he paints the flavors of the South - - from food to architecture and mannerisms.   However, the storyline is good with great Christian teachings woven throughout. 

 - - Lynda

   

 

   

 Time Changer

DVD

Can you have a society that has good moral teaching without giving credit to the Bible for that teaching?  That is the premise for this story that begins in 1890 and transports one of the major characters to modern day society to see the ramifications of omitting God from the equation.  It made a bigger impact on me when I first watched it a few years ago - - - but it still reminds you of how far our society has strayed from honoring God as Russell Carlisle expresses shock at things he discovers "in the future."  It is written better than most but probably would not get a five star rating.  However, I still like it.

 - - Lynda

 

 Hidden Secrets

This was fun in that it had many strong stereotypical characters - - - from the skeptical unbelieving Jew to the over zealous, Scripture quoting conservative.  The plot is okay.  The characters are likeable.  It's obvious a storyline was written around certain issues but it was still better than some I have watched.  By the end of the movie, you may have recognized yourself or someone you know.

 - - Lynda 

   

 

   

 Why I Stayed

This book reveals how far-reaching the consequences of sin can be in the life of a spiritual leader - - - but grace is greater than all sin.  It also highlights the benefits of a Biblical response to sin and how it can affect non-believers in a positive way.  Gayle Haggard relates the power of forgiveness and the healing power of God's grace.

 - - Carol & Les

 

 The Widow's Might

This was better than I thought it might be from my observation of the opening scenes.  The DVD is based on a true story.  The plot is about an elderly widow who faces losing her home due to outrageous property taxes and a family who takes up the fight to help  keep her house.

 - - Lynda

   

 

   

 The Sound of a Dirt Road

This is another one of those videos that I could not just sit and watch without doing another activity - - - like ironing clothes - - or I would have been bored!  The plot is good but the dialogue and delivery is simplistic. 

 

HOWEVER, go to this link and read the review and then the film becomes a bit more impressive.  It was made by a college student in 18 days with a budget of $900.  This movie was a finalist in a 2009 film festival.

 - - Lynda

 

 Prairie Giant

This DVD was purchased because it is about a Baptist Preacher in Canada - - - - who exchanged the pulpit of a church for one in politics.  He determined that if the best way to help take care of our neighbor is to change laws, then a person should be willing to run for office.  Once elected, if that person has charisma and appeals to those in society who are struggling, he can win their votes and accomplish many things - - - even making a national health care system become law.  It was intriguing and enlightening.

 - - Lynda

   

  

 

Miserly Moms

 The back of the book states, "The economy is tough, food prices are soaring, and there is constant pressure to have more even though we have less to work with."  Can you relate to those words in today's economy?  Those words were written in 1994, following the recession in 1992.  This book is in its fourth printing!  There is  great teaching for everyone but especially those who are just learning to stretch their money.

 - - Lynda

 

 

   

 Gadzooks used to be my favorite book on leadership but it now takes second place to UNLEASHING THE POWER OF RUBBER BANDS by Nancy Ortberg.  She is a founding partner of Teamork2.  That is a leadership consulting team who works with businesses to address issues of organizational effectiveness and teamwork.  She is also a former teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church.  This book is pure gold and written in an engaging manner with excellent examples.  Whether you are a leader of a small group - - like a Sunday School Class - - - or over an organization with tremendous numbers, you will find something that can enhance your effectiveness.  These type books are sustaining food for any skills I have achieved.  It is one I will add to my personal library and reread annually.
 - - Lynda