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."

The Dumpster: One Woman’s Search for Love by Becky Due

Publisher: Due Publications

Publication Date: 2010

Binding: eBook

Pages: 202

ISBN: 978-0984621408

List Price: $12.95

Everything seems to be going wrong for Nicole in Becky Due’s humorous novel, The Dumpster. Nicole is a twenty-something year old banker who is slightly overweight and suffers from low-self esteem. Having been recently dumped by her boyfriend on Valentine’s Day via DVD, Nicole is on search for a new love. Unfortunately, her troubles are only made worse by a smelly dumpster placed outside her bedroom window. Little does she know, this disgusting dumpster is the solution to her problems.

The Dumpster is a humorous, quick read. The characters—with the exclusion of Nicole’s worse dates—are all lovable and realistic. Most women will be able to identify with Nicole in some way: failed dates, envious of best friend’s marriage, lack of self-esteem, weight problems, or other issue. Since Nicole’s character is rather promiscuous, the novel gets racy at times. The novel also relies on bathroom humor quite often. Still, Due’s novel is a great fun, light read. If you enjoy reading romantic comedies and are not bothered by mature content, you will want to check out The Dumpster.

Conspiracy on the Hudson by Donald R. Keelan

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

Publication Date: 2010

Binding: Hardcover

Pages: 254

ISBN: 978-1-4349-0866-7

List Price: $25.00

German Nazi assassins are placing explosives in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home at Hyde Park and poisoning New York’s water supply in Donald R. Keelan’s novel, Conspiracy on the Hudson. To make matters worse, the deadly scheme is planned to take place while Winston Churchill is visiting FDR. With little information about the attack, Secret Service agents must protect their President, Churchill and the country. The truth of these events is finally revealed 70 years later by Professor Michael Ferguson during a meeting with the current president.

Since the events are described as a failed assassin attempt against FDR, the conclusion to the novel is obvious. However, the suspense of the novel is in no way reduced. The entire book is action-packed; rarely a page goes by without some twist or crucial information. The characters, setting and events are so believable, that you nearly forget you are reading a work of fiction. Conspiracy on the Hudson is a great read for anyone interested in political-thrillers, historical works, or fast-paced fiction. I will definitely be re-reading this novel as well as Keelan’s other books The Secret of Camp David and Robert Todd Lincoln’s Hidene and How It was saved 1975-1978.

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 Conspiracy on the Hudson 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.

The Next Christians: How a New Generation is Restoring the Faith by Gabe Lyons

Publisher: Doubleday Religion

Publication Date: 2010

Binding: Hardcover

Pages: 240

ISBN: 978-0-385-52984-6

List Price: $19.99

It seems as if America is slowly shifting away from its traditional Christian roots. In his book, The Next Christians, Gabe Lyons claims Christian American is indeed changing—but for the better. Younger generations are incorporating their faith into daily life instead of only worshiping in traditional churches. These new Christians embody six characteristics, each of which is dealt with in its own chapter.

1. provoked, not offend
2. creators, not critics
3. called, not employed
4. grounded, not distracted
5. in community, not alone
6. countercultural , not “relevant”

Opposed to these new Christians, are the separatists (insiders, cultural warriors and evangelizers) and cultural (blenders and philanthropists). Well-meaning Christians may find themselves part of these groups. For example, philanthropists view their yearning to help others as their defining mark. Although helping others is an important part of Christianity, philanthropists are doing it only to prove their self-worth.

One of the most impressive and useful sections outlines practices that help Christians remain grounded and not distracted. These include immersing one’s self in scripture instead of entertainment, observing the Sabbath, pursuing deep relationships with others and being postured by prayer. In addition to these, Gabe Lyons makes many other compelling points. Unfortunately, traditional Christians may feel left out, or even offended at times.

Note of Disclosure: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

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."