Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson

Publisher: NavPress
Publication Date: August 2007
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 224
ISBN: 978-1-60006-091-5
List Price: $12.99

At fifteen years old, Scotty Dawn has more freedom than she desires. She sporadically travels to different movie sets as her mother prepares food for films. Even though her mother is not involved in Scotty’s schooling, she manages to home school herself. As she files her assignments away into scrapbooks that are not read by anyone, she plans to attend college. Life gets lonely for Scotty. She turns to her blog, Hollywood Nobody to connect with other people. Her life on the road exposes Scotty to many people, some who become like family. Unfortunately, Scotty experiences some distance with her mother, whom she calls Charley. Scotty knows her mother is keeping some huge secret from her. Scotty suspects it has something to do with her non-present father. As Scotty learns more of the secret, she realizes how dark it really is.

Lisa Samson’s Hollywood Nobody is written for a young adult audience. Samson does an amazing job connecting with teenagers. Scotty’s dialogue and action—from blogging about celebrities to love and dating—accurately resemble the average teen. Samson also motivates teenage girls to embrace their natural beauty rather than mimic the appearances of actresses and models. She even sneaks in lessons about drugs and alcohol. Samson’s book, however, does not come off as preachy. Although the book reveals Scotty’s struggles with finding Jesus, the book does not try to force religion on teenagers. On the other hand, Scotty has the same hesitations and questions about Christianity that an average young adult would have. Overall, young readers and adults will enjoy Lisa Samson’s Hollywood Nobody.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their 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."

Live Like You Mean It by T.J. Addington

Publisher: NavPress

Publication Date: 2010

Binding: Hardcover

Pages: 171

ISBN: 978-1-60006-673-3

List Price: $17.99

Busyness does not equal productivity. Sure, we can fill each of our waking minutes with non-stop work, but what we really achieving other than stress and its consequences? In his book, Live Like You Mean It, T.J. Addington challenges his readers to examine our lives and prioritize what truly matters. In order for us to have meaningful lives, we must live out what God has planned for us. To guide us on this journey, Addington instructs his readers to reflect on the following ten questions:

1. Why am I here?

2. What is my sweet spot?

3. What will I live behind?

4. What really matters?

5. What is my plan?

6. How do I best recharge?

7. How can my life have a ripple effect?

8. How do I relate to God?

9. Will I say yes to God?

10. What shall I do next?

Each of the questions is dealt with in its own chapter, in which Addington provides his personal answer. He gives practical advice that leads to a fulfilling life. It is nearly impossible to finish this book and not be affected by its message in some way. Addington touches on so many topics, including marriage, employment, education, the loss of a loved one and time-management, that each reader is bound to identify with some aspect of the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their 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."

Posers, Fakers, & Wannabes (Unmasking the Real You) by Brennan Manning and Jim Hancock

Publisher: TH1NK Books

Publication Date: 2003

Binding: Paperback

Pages: 182

ISBN: 978-1-57683-465-7

List Price: $12.99

Teenage years can be brutal. There is a constant pressure to fit in and be liked. Unfortunately, this pressure often causes teenagers to conform to what they believe others want them to be. In his book, Posers, Fakers & Wannabes, Brennan Manning shows readers the problem with developing false personas, and the freedom that can be gained when this activity is stopped. His main premise relies on the fact that God loves us just as we are. There is no need to hide who we are from God, or anyone else.

Although the book is intended for teenagers, it does not read like a typical self-help book meant for this age group. In fact, most teenagers probably will not be familiar with many of Brennan’s references. For example, he only alludes to older movies such as Woody Allen’s Zelig (1983) and Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). Brennan also relies heavily on anecdotes from classic literature, a feature I personally enjoyed. At some points, the amount of quoted material distracted from Brennan’s main points. Nevertheless, Posers, Fakers, & Wannabes is a great book for teaching both teenagers and adults to remove their masks and accept who they are.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their 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."

Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron

Publisher: NavPress

Publication Date: 2006

Binding: Paperback

Pages: 256

ISBN: 978-1-57683-812-9

List Price: $14.99

In his historical novel, Chasing Francis, Ian Morgan Cron explores the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Instead of simply writing another biography of the early Catholic priest and friar, Cron retells the story through the perspective of a modern evangelical minster, named Chase falcon, who has lost his faith. Midway through a service, Chase breaks down and admits his growing doubts about Christianity. Shocked and outraged, the church elders advise Chase to take a leave of absence from the church. Chase travels to Italy where he is lead on a spiritual pilgrimage that introduces him to the ancient teachings of St. Francis.

Cron seamlessly incorporates theology lessons and history into his novel without distracting from the plot. The novel includes several of Chase's journal entries that reflect on what he is learning about Francis. Although Chase is a minster at a megachurch, he comes across as somewhat childish with respect to the Catholic faith. Early in his journey, he often jokes about religious activities the priests engage in. By having other characters correct and explain things to Chase, Cron is given more opportunities to insert historical information.

The book's plot is entertaining and enjoyable. Most characters are dynamic and believable. Maggie's story, however, is slightly cliché. She is an ex-convict whose young daughter has recently died. Instead of returning to drugs and crime, she becomes an important figure in the Chase's church. Nevertheless, Chasing Francis is a great read for anyone interested in learning about St. Francis, or wanting to read a Catholic conversion story.

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."

The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges

“So where the law condemns, grace forgives through the Lord Jesus Christ. Where the Law commands but gives no power, grace commands but does give power through the Holy Spirit who lives and works within us.”

In his book, The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges examines the process of sanctification within the Christian faith. Bridges illustrates how salvation by grace and salvation by works are not dichotomies, but rather intertwined concepts. Salvation is purely by grace. He argues that works are then performed as a result of being saved, instead of being performed to gain salvation. Grace continues to influence us by giving us the power to exercise discipline and perform works. Therefore, the two concepts cannot be separated.

The Discipline of Grace is the perfect book for helping Christians become more like Jesus. It provides a concise but informative overview of the Gospels. Bridges also shows how to incorporate these teachings into daily life. The book urges readers to stop and list their own vices. Bridges then goes onto explain how to overcome personal vices through scripture mediation. Everyone serious about pursuing holiness must read The Discipline of Grace.

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."

Angry: a Novel by Laura L. Smith

Thrust into the center of her parents’ bitter divorce, Emma Monaghan is surrounded by pure anger and confusion, in Laura L. Smith’s Angry: a Novel. Being the oldest of six children, she has the weighty responsibility of caring for her siblings. Things only get more intense as her father seems to spontaneously have an affair and leave their family. Emma feels as if everyone is blaming her for the divorce. Her only escape comes from the theatre as she assumes the role of Eponine for Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. The play serves as metaphor for Emma’s own life.

Many teenagers will be able to easily relate to Emma’s experiences. In addition to divorce, the short novel addresses many other serious issues such as adultery, alcoholism, eating disorders and teenage pregnancy. Mixed into these issues are the average teenage concerns of fashion, cars, friends and gossip. Although religion does eventually play a large role in the novel, it does not dominate the text. Emma finds herself turning to God during hard times, but does not seem to devoutly believe in Him. Her conversations with God gradually move from casual comments to heartfelt exchanges. Angry is a great novel that accurately describes what it is like to be a teenage girl. I highly recommend this book to teenagers looking for a novel to identify with. Adults wanting insight into the teenage girl mind will also benefit from this great novel.

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."

Topical Memory System (TMS) by The Navigators

The Topical Memory System (TMS) uses a simple technique to teach you how to memorize scriptures that can be recalled during hard times. The kit contains a workbook, booklet of perforated 2½" x 1¾” flashcards and a flashcard holder. Eight different versions of each verse are included in the program. The workbook provides a plan to learn two scriptures a week for thirty weeks. Quizzes, tips, and discussion questions are included with each weekly Bible study.

Although the methods employed in this book are very basic, they actually work shockingly well. When reviewing scripture, the program stresses saying the topic, the reference, the verse, and then the reference again. This will help to categorize the verses as well as ensuring that you can locate the verses in the Bible. Once a set of scriptures have been memorized, it is important to practice them in any spare moments of time that arise.

I am very surprised at the progress I am making with the Topical Memory System. Memorizing information has never been my strong point, but I am actually able to do it with this program. I highly recommend this program to others. It is very easy to jump into and start building your own scripture reservoir. Once I started learning, I found myself repeating scriptures while scrambling eggs or vacuuming. Anyone serious about Bible study should absolutely invest in this program.

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."

Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald

Careers, spouses, children, volunteerism and chores are just a few of the urgencies that women face. Cynthia Heald’s Becoming a Woman of Simplicity (2009) teaches women how to de-clutter their lives and reduce unnecessary distractions. Each chapter of this eleven-week Bible study follows a strict pattern. She opens each chapter with a scripture, quotation from a Christian writer and anecdote from Heald’s life or someone close. She then directs readers to different Biblical passages and provides discussion questions. Finally, she ends with a “thoughts from an older woman section” and a suggested verse to remember. Heald’s bible study can be used in groups or by individuals.

Giving the recent technology developments that place computers, smart phones, and other devices constantly within our grasps, Heald’s claim that simplicity outranks multitasking seems outdated at first glance. Heald, however, clearly explains that our ever-present goal in life should be to get closer to God. To do this, we must ensure that we make the most efficient and best use of our time. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to discern between a good use of our time and the best use of our time. For example, Heald experienced this when she enrolled her children in daycare so that she could take the time to read to orphan children. Heald thought she has doing the best thing with her time until God explained to her that she should be at home with her own children.

Becoming a Woman of Simplicity is a great book for someone who feels overwhelmed by their daily responsibilities. Heald proves that it is still possible to live a simple life even in a technology-driven world. Although directed to women, men will also be able to profit from this book. I highly recommend this book as a method to overcome stress.

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."

Rules to Live By: 52 Principles for a Better Life by Jerry White

Jerry White’s Rules to Live By shows readers how to live more pleasurable, organized and successful lives. The short book consists of 52 chapters grouped into three sections: A Better You, Relationship Rules, and Enhancing Your Work and Effectiveness. While the book covers obvious principles such as organization, communication, and faith, it also addresses some less common ideas. For example, White stresses that people should strive to be both losers and winners. A successful life should strike a balance between the two extremes. White also emphasizes the importance of reading, writing, and even doing some things poorly.

52 Rules to Live By is a great book. These sections can be read straight-through or in a random order. Since the chapters do not have to be read in order, White does repeat himself at times. Several times in the book, White recounts the same stories from his days in the Air Force. He also repeatedly states his love for playing handball, which I found somewhat humorous because it shows how much he truly loves the game. Although the chapters are short and the writing style casual, the lessons are influential and valuable. I will definitely take White’s advice and implement one his techniques into my life each week. I highly recommend this book to others.

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."

A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller

Prayer is definitely one of the most important parts of Christianity, but many devout followers view it as a tedious and difficult activity. Paul E. Miller’s A Praying Life (2009) teaches Christians how to make prayer the center of our lives. Prayer should not be forced and mechanical. Instead, Christians should be engaged in constant prayer as well as dedicated prayer time. Miller warns that this type of prayer requires persistent and patience to attain. In order for us to truly pray, we must do so in a childlike manner. That is, we must have the trust that children have in their parents.

Miller goes on to tackle some the most complicated areas of prayer. It is easy to keep faith when prayers are answered. However, when our prayers seem ignored, many people begin to lose faith. Miller argues that unanswered prayers are one of God’s ways to build and strengthen relationships with his children. If all of prayers were immediately answered, God would seem like an endless prayer vending machine. We would not take the time to reflect on God’s plan for our lives and stop focusing on our self-centered goals.

Miller’s A Praying Life is one the best books I have ever read on prayer. He shows readers what true prayer looks like. He even addresses smaller details such as choosing a proper location to pray. Miller brings his readers into his personal life by allowing us to read his own prayer requests. Instead of keeping a prayer list, Miller writes his prayers on cards. In addition to teaching readers this technique, he even includes some of his own cards in the book. Much of the book consists of stories from Miller’s own personal life. He includes his own doubts and troubles as well as his blessings. Each anecdote illustrates one of the aspects of prayer that Miller is explaining.

I highly recommend this book to others. It is aimed towards Christians who are skeptic about prayer. However, anyone wanting to strengthen their relationship with God should immediately read Miller’s book. Each of the short thirty-two chapters is assessable yet powerful.

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."

How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski

Attending college is both a prideful and stressful point in a young adult’s life. J. Budziszewski’s How to Stay Christian in College teaches college bound students, current college students, and parents what to expect at college and how to succeed spiritually socially, and academically. The book focuses on worldviews, campus myths, and how to cope. Budziszewski opens with a concise overview of Christianity. He focuses on what a healthy relationship with God looks like. He goes on to explain how to deal with questions from non-Christian peers, classes that conflict with beliefs, social activities, dating, politics, and church attendance.

Having recently graduated from college, I can say that much of the information provided in this book is accurate. However, I personally did not experience religious opposition to the extent that Budziszewski outlines. I never had a professor that mocked my religion or failed to give me space to state my beliefs. Nevertheless, I imagine that Budziszewski’s findings are more precise at other campuses.

Budziszewski perfectly illustrates what students will experience as they travel to a new location that is alienated from their friends and family. He shows students how to form beneficial friendships and engage in appropriate dating. Many other compelling points are made throughout the book. The most powerful for me concerns the almightiness of God. Budziszewski passionately depicts how humans belong to God. Using a real estate metaphor, he explains, we only have temporary possession of our bodies and not title. Thus, every part of our life must be dedicated to God.

I would highly recommend How to Stay Christian in College to people of all ages. While the book is targeted towards a certain group, its messages concerning worship, friendship, and marriage can benefit anyone. Budziszewski’s book is an entertaining and fast read that can be easily completed among the busyness of college preparation. Using Budziszewski’s advice will allow students to have a much safer, enjoyable, and productive time at college.

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."

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

Jerry Bridges’ The Pursuit of Holiness challenges readers to obey God’s command of holiness and obedience. We cannot simply pray and passively wait for our sinful habits to disappear. Self-discipline and responsibility is a major part of holiness. Bridges uses a metaphor of farming to illustrate this idea. He explains that a farmer cannot simply pray for prosperous crops. He must prepare the ground, plant seeds, and thoroughly care for them. Similarly, we must put sincere effort into overcoming our own sins.

Bridges makes many compelling points in his book. He shows how no sin is small enough that it can be overlooked or accepted. For example, a person with an obsession for playing and watching tennis may not want to categorize her activity as sinful. However, allowing a seemingly harmless activity to dominate one’s life is a huge sin according to Biblical teachings. More obvious, movies, music, and television shows that evoke impure thoughts are also sinful.

The Pursuit of Holiness provides a quick quiz to determine if a certain activity is productive or an example of disobedience. When unsure, one should ask the following questions about the activity: 1) Is it helpful—physically, spiritually, and mentally? 2) Does it bring me under its power? 3) Does it hurt others? 4) Does it glorify God?

One of the most powerful messages in the book for me, concerns overcoming jealousy and envious thoughts. Instead of desiring what someone else has, we should ask God to bless that person “even more and give you a spirit of contentment so that you will not continue to envy” (102). We should be motivated by holiness instead of envy and materialism.

Overall, the messages found in this book are vital for anyone struggling with sin. Whether it is overeating, sexual deviance, hatred, or any other sin, this book will show readers how to overcome it so we can lead holy lives and attain salvation. The message is straightforward and communicated in only 154 pages. Bridges does not waste time with unimportant details that may push readers away. I highly recommend this quick but powerful book to others.

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.”

Forgotten: Seventeen and Homeless by Melody Carlson

Adele Porter’s life finally seems to be improving when her bipolar mother lands a well-paying job and moves them into a comfortable condo in a new city. However, this all changes when Adele’s mother suddenly abandons her. Melody Carson’s Forgotten: Seventeen and Homeless shows Adele’s rise to a faux-rich and popular high school senior and her fall to a homeless, friendless girl living in an old van nicknamed Darth Vader.

The premise of this young adult book is interesting and heartbreaking. Adele is a well-developed character that captures reader’s hearts. Her story reinforces how easily anyone can become homeless. Her life seems to get worse and worse until she finally seeks the help of a pastor she meets at a local mission. Up until this point, Adele does not have much faith in God. Since Forgotten is a Christian work, I felt this transformation was rather predictable.

While the book focuses on Adele, many other characters with interesting histories are introduced. However, each one completely vanishes with no explanation as to what happens to them. For example, Adele meets Cybil, another homeless teenager. She also meets a seemingly nice coworker named Genevieve. Then, there is Adele’s mother. Readers are not told what happens to any of these characters. I believe these characters simply vanish, to let readers experience what Adele is going through. Neither Adele nor the reader has any idea what happens to these people. Still, I would have liked to know their outcome.

Overall, Forgotten: Seventeen and Homeless was a good and fast read. I would recommend this book to readers interested in teenage and young adult fiction.

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."