The Final Summit

At first glance, David Ponder appears to be your average, aging businessman, who is just trying to cope after the death of his beloved wife.  However, he is enormously successful due to the Seven Truths he discovered while traveling through time.  One day, as he is grieving in his office, Gabriel calls upon him and transports him to a council of all the other time travelers to discover how to save the fate of mankind.  Thus, the stage is set for The Final Summit by Andy Andrews. 

This book was not only a total waste of my time, but was also biblically unsound.  I had to force myself to continue with the book so I could write this review.  First, I will tell the good points of the story.  I have to admit that traveling through time to meet famous historical people is an excellent plot story.  Also, I learned some interesting historical facts.

However, the cons far outweighed the good in the story.  It is preposterous for mankind to improve itself through a council that does not acknowledge God and if they ignore the fact that man is incapable of improving themselves and are innately sinful.  This book contains an offensive view of God.  In The Final Summit, God is simple mentioned as “the Boss” who is sitting somewhere upstairs and has basically let humanity run its course.  God’s name was used flippantly on several occasions and some of the characters used some curse words. 

I feel the need to point out that David did not kill the lion, bear, and Goliath as a result of his self-discipline; it was because God empowered him and gave him the strength.  David’s sin with Bathsheba was not a primarily a lack of self-discipline, but was a result of him giving into sin and temptation. 

In the end of the book, the solution to bring mankind back to the path of a successful civilization was “do something.”  Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to right the wrong of mankind.  Thankfully, God did something.  Salvation through His Son is the only way that people can truly change the course of mankind’s history. 

I hate to give a negative review for a book, but all in all, I would definitely not recommend this book to anyone and am sorry I read it due to the issues I discussed above.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Fourth Fisherman

The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack is the painfully honest and touching account of one man’s journey to God intertwined with the miraculous story of three fishermen who survived over nine months stranded at sea, with no food or water and only a Bible to encourage them.

Joe Kissack’s story is raw and emotional as he recounts his childhood and the rejection of his father, his rise in the terms of money, fall through alcohol, drugs, and depression, and the joy that came through his acceptance of Jesus Christ.  The fishermen’s tale is somewhat graphic and left me a little sick as it describes how two of the other men died and the measures they took to survive.

The story does lag at some parts and in other parts it is choppy hard to comprehend what is going on.  Kissack writes in a very conversational style that is honest, but at a few points it left me going “huh?”  All in all, the story impresses upon the reader with the greatest of God’s grace.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books 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.”

Praying for Your Future Husband

Since I have read some of the Christy and Sierra books by Robin Jones Gunn, I decided to read Praying for Your Future Husband by Tricia Goyer and Robin Jones Gunn. I was definitely not disappointed!  What first appealed to mean was the beautiful layout and pretty decorations inside the book. Both of the authors frankly tell their stories of how God prepared them for their future husbands. The book is written in a conversational style and is upbeat. Each chapter is about a particular area to pray for and has sample prayers and a place to journal. I would highly recommend this book for any girl who is wondering about who she will marry and wondering if the next guy she meets might be "the one." This book has been a great encouragement to me and I am sure it will be for others as well.
I received this book through WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review. (Note: a favorable review was not required for participation.)

Checking In

Now that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, the camping season is just about over.  Soon the snow will be falling and it will be the perfect time for snuggling up with a good book.  Look for some new book reviews soon!

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior by Max Lucado is a wonderful book.  This book explores the death and resurrection and brings the events to life for the reader.  Max Lucado writes in a way that is fresh and enables the readers to feel like they are really living in the time of Christ.  The book is divided into three parts on the cross: Its words, Its witnesses, and Its Wisdom.  Oftentimes, we as Christians become complacent and fail to recognize the wonder and awe-inspiring love of Jesus’ death on the cross.  I love Max Lucado’s writing style; it is very conversational and you feel as if you are having coffee with him.  No Wonder They Call Him the Savior is filled with encouragement and hope from the gospel.  I really enjoyed reading this book for my devotions each morning.  This is definitely a book to read if you are feeling unloved, as it will remind you just how much Jesus loves you.  There is also a helpful discussion guide in the back, perfect for Sunday school or a Bible Study.  My one complaint with the book is that I wished there were more Scripture verses in it.  There are some, but I would like a little more.  All in all, it was definitely worth the read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Billy Graham in Quotes

My great-grandmother always loved Billy Graham, so when I saw Billy Graham in Quotes  become available for reviewing, I was eager to read about the works of Billy Graham.  I was not disappointed. Billy Graham's son, Franklin Graham said, "My father has always prayed that his words would reflect God's standard of truth as the basis to claim, 'I have given them Your word' (John 17:14). In this book, I believe you will see that he has faithfully spoken God's Word that quenches the thirst of those seeking to draw from the wellsprings of Life. It is highly meaningful to see these statements now collected in one volume." The book is conveniently divided alphabetically into categories, such as, Forgiveness, Sin, Heaven, and Angels. I was blessed reading through the plethora of quotes from the sermons, life, and books of Billy Graham. The quotes are biblically sound and a great resource for students, pastors, or parents. When I was fearful lately, I picked up this book and began to read under the “Anxiety” section. I was comforted by the truth in this book. I continually remember one quote in particular: “No situation is beyond God’s control. Over my wife’s desk are these words: ‘Fear not the future; God is already there.’”

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sierra Jensen

In this first spinoff volume from the Christy Miller series, Robin Jones Gunn introduces to Sierra Jensen. Sierra is fun, original, and compassionate. I found Sierra easier to relate to than Christy and her character is deeper and more complex. This volume includes three stories: Only You Sierra, In Your Dreams, and Don't You Wish. Sierra and Paul's witty and quick comments to each other had me laughing. The entire Jensen family is lovable. Teens will be able to relate to Sierra's troubles like moving to a new school, trying to fit in, and how to relate to guys. Gunn provides a Christian perspective throughout the book.