The Part-Time Vegan by Cherise Grifoni

I have no desire to become a vegetarian, but the idea of "Meatless Mondays" was an interesting concept as my husband and I have started to make healthier choices in our eating habits. I'm all for fresh fruits and vegetables and believed this cookbook might enable us to get ideas on how to use these items in new ways.

The Part-Time Vegan: 201 Ymmy Recipes The Put the FUN in Flexitarian, by Cherise Grifoni, is an attempt to provide recipes for vegetarians, or those who may want to try it "part-time." Though the author tried to take a light-hearted approach in the introduction, I was a little surprised in her use of language in a couple of instances. I also found it interesting that those who are so opposed to eating meat have come up with all sorts of "substitutes" that are served in a meat-like form.

The cookbook was divided into the usual categories like Appetizers, Salads, Soups, Desserts, etc. along with sections for Tofu, Seitan, TVP, and Tempeh. It also included 11 complete Dinner Plans.  Some recipes looked interesting and worth trying, while some of the more "vegan" ones using seitan, TVP or Tempeh will probably be passed on. I was also surprised that there were no photos of any of the food prepared except for the few on the cover.

Will I be able to use any of the 201 recipes in this cookbook?  Yes.  Will it be my "go-to" cookbook, probably not, but it would be a good choice for someone who is more serious about becoming a vegetarian and willing to try to find some of the more unusal ingredients needed to cook as a true vegan.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger 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.”

Max on Life by Max Lucado

Max Lucado's newest book, Max on Life, is a little different from your typical inspirational Christian book. In this book, Lucado tackles 172 questions that he has been asked over the years as he has served as a pastor and as a writer. Some questions were basic, while others were deep and serious. In his typical writing style, he often painted word pictures, in an easy conversational style, to convey warmth and hope for the reader.

The book is divided into seven broad categories of questions relating to: Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Have/Have-Nots, and the Hereafter. There is a helpful Topical Index in the back of the book if you are looking for answers on a particular subject. Though I believe Max Lucado did a good job dealing with many of the questions posed, some were a bit more complex than I believe a simple one-page answer is able to provide. Perhaps his answers could be somewhat of a springboard for further reading/study on these topics.

I didn't find the book engaging enough to read straight through, but I don't know if it is really designed for that. I think it may be useful if you were curious about a particular issue or if you have been asked similar questions and didn't quite know how to put the answer into words. This book could be a helpful resource as you begin to formulate an answer that you could share with others.  

So, will all our questions be answered after reading this book? No. We know some questions we have may never be answered fully here on earth. But this book could be a starting point to lead the reader to search out the answer further for himself in God's Word.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger 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 Final Summit by Andy Andrews

Time is running out. Humanity has gotten off course. What can be done to avert the disaster ahead?  The solution lies in the answer to a question posed by the archangel, Gabriel, to David Ponder and a group of Travelers from the past. David Ponder, a successful businessman from the present, was chosen to lead this final summit meeting composed of historical figures, to come up with a two word answer that would restore humanity's pathway toward successful civilization. They would have five chances to come up with the solution. As each chosen historical figure would share his or her insight, they would try to come up with the correct answer to the question posed. The answers given sounded good, but would it be the one Gabriel was looking for? Would they keep trying or give up?

Author, Andy Andrews drew upon stories from history, as he masterfully wove fact into fiction. Some characters were very familiar while others I knew little about, but their stories inspired me to find out more about these real characters. The Final Summit is a timely book for today's readers. Our country as well as the world, I believe, is heading toward disaster. This book can be a catalyst to encourage us to make a difference in the present world in which we live.

Though "theologically" you cannot take this account literally, there is still much to be learned as you read this book of fiction. Readers were first introduced to David Ponder in the book, The Traveler's Gift, as he traveled through time to obtain the "Seven Decisions" from some of these same historical figures. Though it may give you a better understanding of the main character, it is not necessary to have read this book first.

The Final Summit can be read fairly quickly and drew me in as I read it. I found it fascinating that though the words spoken by these historical figures were for the most part fictional, Andy Andrews researched them so thoroughly that the words they spoke in the book seemed believable. Though I do wish it pointed more to the real solution that restores our pathway to successful civilization, Jesus Christ, I still would recommend this book. Those who love history will especially enjoy it.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger 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.”