Category: Adult Nonfiction Review

BONUS REVIEW: The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker

BONUS REVIEW: The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and WaterBrook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

A collection of essays about noticing, embracing and loving mid-life. The subtitle for the book is “Why That (Extra)Ordinary Life Looks Really Good on You.” There are several broad categories like marriage, parenting, failures, and friendship. Every category then contains three to seven essays.

My favorite section was probably the parenting section – although there are parenting-related essays in other places, too. Many of them left me surrounded by tissues. Other essays left me with a sense of longing for the kinds of relationships she describes in the friendship section. And the collection felt very honest. The author never elevates herself as the perfect example or preaches a message of “be like me.” The whole book is affirming and encouraging with the clear message throughout that you are loved no matter what.

There’s not much scripture referenced here, but the author’s faith is clearly represented. Over and over she affirms the extravagant love of God for each person. The essay format reminded me a lot of a Jen Hatmaker collection, with less humor (not a criticism). While the format is similar, the tone is different. Both have their own merits. I can see readers using this in a group discussion or even as a devotional with each essay being the thought for the day and an opportunity for the reader to reflect on her own life.

This is a resource I will return to. There were several essays I wanted to read again and talk through or journal through my thoughts. Be sure to check this one out!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Jesus Who Surprises by Dee Brestin

REVIEW: The Jesus Who Surprises by Dee Brestin

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Multnomah in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

While the New Testament of the Bible is clearly about Jesus, you can find him throughout the Old Testament, too. In this book, the author explores those references and relates them to stories from her personal life and the words of other writers and speakers.

This book is a combination of spiritual growth resource and Bible study. The study is designed to be done one chapter each week. Each chapter has group meeting instructions, journaling prompts, prayer prompts, and five days of Bible study questions. There are plenty of instructions for using the book in a group setting.

Topics include God’s love, God’s wrath and standards for holiness, idolatry, coming to God like children, and lament. Passages for study include Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Abraham and his sons, the Psalms, Isaiah, and the Road to Emmaus.

Review

The format for this was fantastic! The chapters were engaging and the Bible Study questions were varied, yet easily done day by day. The author’s story – of her children, grandchildren, and the death of her husband – is woven through each chapter. I was captivated by these personal stories and their spiritual significance to the family.

While I did not agree with 100% of the author’s theology, I found plenty to enjoy in this book. There were several spots where I stopped to write down challenging thoughts and ideas to keep exploring later.

This study is well-structured for group use. There are resources for group leaders and suggestions for your initial meetings. That doesn’t mean an individual couldn’t work through this on her own. I think this would be good for both someone who is new to faith or beginning their consideration of Jesus, and also for seasoned believers. If you are looking for a new Bible study, consider checking this one out!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr

REVIEW: The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Crown Publishing/Convergent Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

The full title of this book is The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For and Believe. The title was changed after the review copy was produced, so I am not sure if that changed any of the internal content in a significant way.

Father Richard Rohr asks readers to broaden their ideas of “Christ” beyond the physical person of Jesus. As he states in one of the early chapters, “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name. Rohr’s central assertion seems to be that we recognize Christ in the Bible – and in the world – as both part of the person of Jesus but also as someone/something that pre-dates Jesus and is larger than the person of Jesus. This recognition then changes how we see not only issues of faith but also one another and all examples of creation.

The writing in this is dense and more intricate than my usual genre fiction reading. This is closer to a college text than mass-appeal genre writing. Sometimes Rohr goes over my head, or posits something that clangs against my belief systems or understanding of scripture. I didn’t agree with all of his conclusions. But there are plenty of nuggets of truth and thought-provoking ideas to chew on.

This is a deep and intricate philosophical look at theology, scripture, history, semantics/language and comparative religion. This is the sort of book that I think works best if you have a physical copy you can write in. For me this is best read in small chunks. And I’d get more out of it by writing about what I read, looking up the scriptures he uses in their context, and spending time thinking over his assertions.  This has a more scholarly feel than other books I usually read for spiritual growth. There is a place for both sorts of material depending on the needs of the reader.

If you are looking for a resource that might challenge you to think outside your faith assumptions and current beliefs, or if you are a Rohr fan, I recommend you check this book out. You might not agree with all of Father Rohr’s conclusions, but this book will definitely get you thinking!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Parkland Speaks edited by Sarah Lerner

REVIEW: Parkland Speaks edited by Sarah Lerner

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher, Penguin Random House/Crown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

On February 14, 2018, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School became a tragic addition to the gun violence statistics in America. At the end of the school day on that Valentine’s Day, a teen gunman pulled a fire alarm to expose students and staff to his shooting rampage, and 17 people died.

In response, some of the students have chosen to speak out, march and prod politicians to action. There are two other books from the survivors, We Say #Never Again: Reporting by the Parkland Student Journalists and #Never Again: A New Generation Draws the Line. Now there is a third, Parkland Speaks: Survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas Share Their Stories.

Parkland Speaks is a collection of poems, essays, pictures and drawings from the survivors at MSD High School about their experiences on Valentine’s Day last year and the days that followed.

Proceeds from the sales of this book will go to Shine MSD Inc. to support victims’ families and encourage community recovery through the arts.

Review

This is a moving, powerful and sad record of the Parkland Massacre and the aftermath.  It’s hard to read what students and staff went through that day. But it’s also vitally important that we read and know and remember. It’s the only way things have a chance to change.

Like with any collection, each reader will connect with different entries. I really engaged with the entries from students and teachers who were in the building where the shooting happened. I was heart broken at the stories of high school relationships cut short when a person who was joking around at the start of the day didn’t make it out of the building. These are names to those of us on the outside, but they were people – friends, family, mentors, colleagues – to the survivors.

Gun violence and gun rights are issues fraught with strong emotions and strong opinions. But our children are dying – and it’s time to engage in the conversation so things can change for the future. This book is a great starting point for those conversations.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: A Mild Wide by Brandon Hatmaker

REVIEW: A Mild Wide by Brandon Hatmaker

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary and Review

The core of this book is the idea of taking your faith deeper. Too often we feel “a mile wide but an inch deep.” Hatmaker challenges readers to not only let the gospel save them (one time), but let it transform them (all the time). Topics in the book include Biblical identity, community (both in the church and outside it), the Kingdom, social justice, and mission.

I found this both challenging and encouraging. I underlined something on almost every page. I really grabbed onto the idea of the gospel as transformational. It’s not one and done. And if the goal is to be more like Jesus, I know I have a long way to go. But at the same time, Hatmaker spends a good amount of time reiterating that God loves us – right now – no matter how transformed or not transformed we are.

While one clear message is that doing more – adding more Bible studies or showing up at church activities more days of the week – doesn’t make us more lovable to God, there are suggestions for ways to engage in Jesus’ name that will help in our personal transformation and help us be a light to others. I loved the questions and the practical steps suggested throughout the book. This is one to revisit and keep close at hand. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown

REVIEW: Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Imagine you are at lunch with dear friends. In the course of conversation, one friend says something that clangs against your heart. Maybe it’s political. It might be something religious or spiritual. Maybe it’s about race or sexuality or guns. Whatever it is, it clangs. And now you have a choice. Speak up or stay quiet? There are risks to both.

Speaking up can lead to conflict. You may discover that none of these friends agree with you, and you’ll be vulnerable and stick out.

You can pretend to agree and go along with the crowd. But then you have to live with your own conscience. And with the knowledge that this situation will likely come up again.

Or you can stay silent or change the subject. Avoid the discomfort.

It can be difficult to negotiate these kinds of situations. We have to decide which is more intolerable – risking our sense of belonging in the group or risking our sense of being honest and true to our own beliefs.

This is the core of Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown.

Review

This was excellent! I loved the social research pieces because I love learning about things like that. I love when my brain gets to think critically and analytically. But the writing style and tone of this is conversational and relate-able. It’s not technical or full of jargon.

The material really clicked for me. I have had experiences in the last few years where I felt I was “braving the wilderness” in a variety of settings and circumstances. From something as simple as a lunch conversation to leaving a job I loved, I’ve had moments where I’ve chosen to be vulnerable and to take a stand, and those can be lonely times. This book affirmed those moments while also challenging me to check my motives and my methods. It also showed me other places where I might need to take a stand and how to do that in a genuine, honoring way.

My copy of this book is full of dogeared pages and underlining, stars and exclamation points. There are fantastic quotes from Brené and others I want to revisit. I highly recommend this book to all readers! (Some language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Reading People AND I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

REVIEW: Reading People AND I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

Posted on by Jaymie

Reading People – Summary

This nonfiction book is about several different personality assessments and how they can be used to help the reader understand him or herself better. The book covers

  • Introverts and Extroverts
  • Highly Sensitive People
  • The Five Love Languages
  • The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Keirsey Temperaments
  • The Clifton Strengths Finder
  • The Enneagram

Reading People – Review

This was an enjoyable read. The writing style and tone is conversational and approachable. I felt like I was chatting with a friend about her exploration of these tools. And as I love several of these tools, this is a conversation I would actually have with someone! The author shares not only her personal discoveries but also her false starts and personal growth as she learns about herself and her friends and family.

I was familiar with each of the systems on the list except the Highly Sensitive People one. While most of the other information was review for me, it was a great review and got me thinking about digging into my old materials on each of these tools/assessments.

If you already have a deep knowledge about these tools, this may be too basic for you. If these are mostly new to you, this is a terrific introduction. This was my first exposure to Anne Bogel, but I’ve found that I like her work a lot. She has an online presence (Modern Mrs. Darcy blog) and a podcast (What Should I Read Next?) as well as another book that I loved.

Rating:♥♥♥♥

 

I’d Rather Be Reading – Summary

I’d Rather Be Reading is a collection of essays on the reading life. Libraries and bookstores get a lot of love, and readers are encouraged to embrace their reading lives as they are, not as someone thinks they SHOULD be. There are cautions about becoming “book bossy” and some encouragement to develop a system to record or track your reading. Bogel’s love of story and books and reading is evident throughout.

I’d Rather Be Reading – Review

I adored this! I feel like Anne Bogel and I could go to the bookstore together and have a great time – although I think our personal reading preferences are pretty different. The writing in this is, again, friendly and down to earth. It feels like a chat over coffee. There’s no pushiness or “my way is the right way.” It’s a celebration of reading and readers – whether you haven’t read a book all year or you’ve read three this week already.

My favorite chapter was Chapter 10 – Bookworm Problems. It could not have been more perfect or accurate in my opinion.

I think this would make a lovely gift for the avid readers in your life. Be sure to get one for yourself, too. The book is hardcover but in a smaller size – about the size of a mass market paperback, though thinner. I consider it “gift book” sized.

The book inspired me to think about my own stories as a reader – milestone books and memorable reading experiences. I loved the whole experience of reading this and celebrating my own reading journey. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Coach Yourself with the Father by Sally Hanan

REVIEW: Coach Yourself with the Father by Sally Hanan

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

This is part of a series of self-help workbooks by this author who works as a life coach. This particular book focuses on identity work – understanding who you are in Christ, knowing your skills and gifts, and finding your purpose.

Each chapter includes quotes from individuals about chapter topic, a few pages of teaching. There are also several pages of questions including Bible verses to look up. Finally there is a testimony and then blank pages for notes. Several chapters include assessments.

The material is well-written, easy to understand, and well-organized. The content reminds me of work I have done before with both the Network program and workbook as well as the SHAPE program and workbook by Eric Rees. I think this workbook could be used in a group setting or by individuals looking to anchor their identity in Jesus and learn more about how they have been gifted.

Readers who enjoy this can check out the author’s other workbooks as well, all in this Christian self-help sort of area.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Made Like Martha by Katie M. Reid AND The Family Bible Devotional by Sarah Wells

REVIEW: Made Like Martha by Katie M. Reid AND The Family Bible Devotional by Sarah Wells

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of both of these books from Netgalley – Made Like Martha from WaterBrook and The Family Bible Devotional from Discovery House. All opinions are my own.]

Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done – Summary

Luke the gospel writer shares a story of two sisters. Martha bustles around getting things ready for the Messiah’s visit while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet. Martha becomes frustrated and asks Jesus to make her sister help out. Jesus refuses, saying Mary is in the right place.

This passage seems to shame the do-ers of the world, saying they aren’t okay in the eyes of Christ. And when Marthas are shamed into trying to be Marys they fail, and the shame is compounded.

Katie M Reid offers Marthas another way to look at this interaction with Jesus. “What if God wasn’t asking me to be Mary but instead loved me for being Martha? (pg 10)

Review

It’s like this book was personally written just for me! I loved this from the very first chapter of the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) and immediately ordered a copy for myself so I could write in it and highlight pages to my heart’s content. I adore this book and it’s message for a do-er like me.

Each chapter includes an application activity as well as personal anecdotes, Bible stories and commentary on the scripture. There are also a few assessments and action steps (including an emphasis on spending time with God) for readers to try. There are links and websites for extra resources and a five-session Bible Study that readers can work through either after reading the book or along side as they read.

I think this would be an excellent study resource! I highly recommend this book!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

 

The Family Bible Devotional: Stories from the Bible to Help Kids and Parents Engage and Love Scripture – Summary

This is a devotional Bible study for families. It includes a passage of scripture, some discussion questions, kid-friendly activities, a prayer prompt and some background information. The author gives some tips for parents that are well-reasoned – things like keeping the emphasis on the activities, down playing questions if they aren’t grabbing the kids attention, keeping things engaging so the kids want to dig into scripture, etc.

Devotions are from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The scripture passages are included in the book, so you don’t have to pull out a separate Bible. The book uses various translations – NLT, NIV, The Message and the NRSV.

Review

This is a well-organized devotional for families that focuses on the Bible as the source material. Sometimes devotionals only have one verse of scripture along with a story. I love that this is more Bible based. The activities seem like things that will work well for kids – art activities, build an “ark” out of living room furniture, go for a hike – and hopefully connect them to the story. The author doesn’t shy away from stories like David and Bathsheba or the woman caught in adultery, but they are handled in an appropriate way for families willing to dig into those stories with their kids. I think this would be a terrific resource for families who want to add a spiritual component to their family time but aren’t sure how to structure it on their own.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Isaiah - Everyday Bible Commentary by Alfred Martin

REVIEW: Isaiah – Everyday Bible Commentary by Alfred Martin

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

This is an overview of the book of Isaiah in the Bible. The original publication date for this book is 1956. Bible verses are quoted mostly from the King James or New King James version of the Bible.

I found the sections on the history of the authorship debates about Isaiah to be very interesting. That was information I had not heard before. The book also highlights some of the contextual pieces that we might lose in translation such as Isaiah’s humor and sarcasm or some of the structure of the writing.

There’s an emphasis on the Messianic prophecies and connections to New Testament passages. There’s also a lot of focus on God’s love and lamentation in the midst of judgement. Another theme that is explored is the need to depend on God.

Review

I was excited to review this book because I just finished a detailed study of Isaiah, and I loved it. This was a little more big picture than I was expecting. Therefore it felt like a backwards step instead of digging deeper for me. This would have been more useful before I started my study.  At this point I would have preferred something like a William Barclay commentary instead.

This particular book covered more about the history of the book of Isaiah as a part of accepted Scripture than I expected. I found the information new and interesting, but as a “Bible Study” (which this is not – it’s a commentary), I would have been frustrated with this. I feel there are other commentaries that could be useful in studying a book of Scripture. In this case I think this would be best used as an introduction for people about to dig into a study through a class or small group. Some of the language – at least in my review copy which has not gone through final edits – felt dated to me, too, which was disappointing.

If you haven’t read all of Isaiah before, or if you are looking for an overview or introduction, consider giving this a try as long as you are comfortable with a King James translation. If you prefer a more contemporary translation or a more in depth study, you might consider looking at other resources.

Rating: ♥♥♥½