Uncle Sam’s Plantation by Star Parker

Slavery is seen as an evil act that was forever abolished with the Thirteen Amendment. Star Parker’s Uncle Sam’s Plantation (2010), however, suggests that slavery and the current American government are analogous. Parker demonstrates how governmental programs have eroded American values.

She believes the US welfare system has caused many women, particularly African American women, to be more satisfied having children out-of-wedlock and collecting government assistance than marrying. In fact, since welfare’s creation, out-of-wedlock births have soared to 69 percent in the Black community. Moreover, studies have shown that children from single-parent households typically have less education, lower job outlooks, and thus are likely to suffer future financial problems.

Furthermore, government oppression is not limited to single mothers. Inheritance Laws—laws requiring estates to be heavily taxed upon the owner’s death—make it nearly impossible for lower and middle class families to leave money to their heirs. Parker goes on to address other topics including abortion, homosexuality, public education, healthcare and rent control.

At some points, Parker oversimplifies issues. She explains how she was once a welfare queen, but was able to pursue an education and become successful. Parker encourages other women to do the same. Parker implies the process is simple: single mothers should refuse welfare and get a job. Many single mothers would disagree that becoming financially independent is this easy.

Nevertheless, the majority of Parker’s book is well-researched and informative. She does a great job portraying how big government is harming both small businesses and families. I highly recommend this book to anyone concerned with political issues affecting African Americans.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

LifeChange Series: A life-changing encounter with God’s Word from the book of Psalms

Psalms, from the NavPress’s LifeChange Series, helps readers better understand prayer by looking at how Biblical figures prayed. This 10-week Bible study tool is designed to be used in groups, but individuals can also benefit from it. Rather than go through the Book of Psalms in order, LifeChange categorizes psalms according to their theme. Each of the ten lessons contains scriptures, discussion questions, optional application activities, further study activities, and historical information.

This LifeChange title will not give readers an in-depth or exhaustively understanding of the Psalms, but it is thought provoking. Some of the discussion questions are overly simple. One question asks, for example, “Why is waiting on God often challenging to our patience?” Other questions are somewhat odd for discussion groups. The lesson on planning and prayer asks readers to use their family history to determine how many years they have left to live.

However, the number of stimulating activities greatly outnumbers the less than perfect ones. Some of my favorites include discussing why natural disasters are called “acts of God” but natural wonders are not. I also enjoyed the “blame percentage activity” that helps to solve grievances between people. One of my favorite features of this Bible study is the historical facts and literary analysis included with each lesson. One of which explains how the “tsinnah” and maghen” shields are metaphors for God’s protective power. While this book will not give readers a complete and extensive study of the Book of Psalms, it will lead to thoughtful reflection and discussion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger 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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Everything You Need to Know Before College by Matthew Paul Turner

Entering college can be both a fantastic and frightening experience. Matthew Paul Turner’s Everything You Need to know Before College uses a Christian perspective to show students what to expect during this life-changing journey. Class registration, dating, health, extracurricular activities, budgeting, volunteering, safety, time management and a multitude of other topics are all addressed in this book. Turner interlaces his serious information with humorous tidbits, irrelevant ramblings, and even silly poems.

Having already graduated from college, I can honestly say Turner’s book accurately reflects my own college experience. As Turner explains, it is sometimes difficult to strike a balance between fun time and studying—too much of either can make college unbearable. The book also explores some of the important things that college students may not consider first off. For example, the importance of buying flip flops to wear in communal showers and journaling on a regular basis.

In addition to being informative, Turner is truly funny in an odd and random way. For example, during one of his concluding lists of important points from the chapter, Turner decides to throw in one completely off topic point for humor: “Watch My Name is Earl on NBC.” This has absolutely nothing to do with the chapter on wellness, but it makes for a random chuckle. Everything you Need to Know Before College is a entertaining enough to keep the attention of a high school senior or college freshman and would make a great graduation gift.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger 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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Recipe for a Heart Attack: The Body’s Perfect Storm by Elliot Brown, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Claiming 600,000 lives annually, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Over 101 billion dollars are spent each year treating this disease. Elliot Brown’s Recipe for a Heart Attack (2010) takes a deeper look at the true cause of heart disease and provides an helpful guide for becoming healthier individuals. He shows how heart disease is triggered by emotional and psychological problems as much as bad eating and exercising habits. We can drastically reduce our risks of heart disease by adhering to the “High Five”: a healthy diet, exercise at least three times a week, relaxation, smoking cessation, and emotional well-being.

Brown’s book is both informative and entertaining. While it is filled with medical advice, health statistics, and general healthcare knowledge, it also includes anecdotes from Brown’s medical training and career. A real life example follows each medical topic to illustrate the importance of following Brown’s advice. Moreover, Brown fully explains each topic in an educational and accessible way. For example, he does not simply say products made with enriched white flour should be avoided. Instead, he explains how these foods are created, how to identify them, why to avoid them, and some alternatives. Recipe for a Heart Attack is a great book for anyone who wants to live a healthier lifestyle.

You can pick up a copy at the online bookstore:

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+vWVLFn+index.html+

I received a complimentary copy of Recipe for a Heart Attack as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Thousands of children die from preventable diseases. Young women are sold into sex trafficking by their poor families. Millions go to sleep with an empty stomach. Similar stories fill daily newspapers.

The amount of suffering in our world is overwhelming. However, Max Lucado challenges his readers to do something about it. His book, Outlive Your Life (2010) urges readers to make a difference in someone’s life by following the wisdom found in the book of Acts. While no one can solve all of the world’s problems, Lucado shows how anyone can still have an impact. This may come in the form of purchasing a homeless person a burger, inviting a lonely coworker over for dinner, or traveling to another country to help build homes. No matter what situation we are in, God has equipped us to help others.

Since this was my first Max Lucado book, I was not sure what to expect. However, I found that this book actually inspires me to want to help others. Lucado’s anecdotes show how small deeds can have powerful results. Each of the short chapters opens with a biblical scripture and ends with a prayer. Anyone who feels they do not have the tools to make a difference should pick up a copy of Outlive Your Life. Since 100% of the author’s royalties will be donated, you will already be on your way to helping others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews’s children’s book, The Boy Who Changed the World, teaches young readers how each of their actions—whether good or bad—can have worldwide effects for generations to come. The book opens with a young Norman Borlaug playing hide-and-seek in a corn field with his sisters. Recalling his father’s warning, Norman is careful to not trample the corn plants. He tells Norman he should be happy because they are lucky to have enough to food to eat. It is at this moment, that Norman challenges himself to find a way to produce enough corn to feed more people worldwide. The book then moves back to review the earlier generations that enabled Norman to eventually attain his goals.

This is a great book to teach children proper behavior. Instead of emphasizes the consequences of a bad behavior, the book stresses the wonderful things that can happen with good intentions. Moreover, it shows children that no goals are too big to strive for. Andrews’s even includes a religious message towards the end. He stresses that each child was made by God for a specific purpose. Not only is the content inspiration for children, but beautifully illustrated pages will attract even the youngest readers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

In The Butterfly Effect, Andy Andrews traces how a schoolteacher named Joseph Lawrence Chamberlain was victorious in a seemingly impossible 1863 battle. The story does not end here, but goes on to show how Chamberlain’s one decision continues to affect people worldwide even today. By doing so, Andrews attempts to show his readers how each of our decisions have lasting effects on us, our neighbors, and even our future generations. Thus, it shows readers just how important each individual is. Andrews interweaves this tale with the stories of other famous historical figures including George Washington Carver, Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, and others.

As I first started reading The Butterfly Effect, I had no idea how Andrews would manage to connect a stubborn war colonial to my life in meaningful and lasting way. Andrews was very successful in doing this. He did not simply give a rote answer saying, “The United States would not exist without Chamberlain’s decision and you would be living a different life.” Quite the contrary, I was emotionally touched by Andrews’s analysis. This book would make a great gift to show someone how important they truly are. Each of the pages is elaborately decorated. Overall, this gift book was a very quick read that I could not put down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World: What on Earth Should We Do Now? by Dr. David Jeremiah

When things seem to be shattering around us, it is sometimes difficult to keep faith and adhere to Christian teachings. Dr. David Jeremiah’s Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World: What on Earth Should We Do Now? teaches readers how to overcome these setbacks and live prosperous lives. Each of the ten chapters is dedicated to a different confidence-building technique. Dr. Jeremiah urges his readers to remain calm, compassionate, constructive, challenged, connected, centered, confident, consistent, committed, and convinced. Each lesson is supplemented with personal anecdotes, current and historical events, films and entertainment, and of course, biblical references.

After reading Dr. Jeremiah’s earlier book, What in the World is Going On?, I was eager to begin reading his next book. Unfortunately, I am not as impressed by this book, as I was with his earlier one. While some remarkable points were made, the book seemed to drag on at times and I had to force myself to continue reading. The amount of facts and quotations was sometimes overwhelming. On the other hand, some of the most memorable points for me are the importance of bible study—both individual and communal. Another piece of simple (both helpful) advice to remain confident during troublesome times, is to ask ourselves, “If the savior returned this moment, would I be proud or ashamed of the act I was currently doing?” Overall, Dr. Jeremiah’s book is a good read for anyone needing an extra religious boost.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”