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.”

A Bug Collection DVD Box Set ~ Vol. 3

By Max Lucado

A Bug Collection ~ Vol. 3 is a boxed set containing 3 DVDs from the Max Lucado Hermie & Friends Series. The DVDs are beautifully animated with memorable characters that are consistent on each DVD. Each DVD is a story with a biblical message that children can relate to. 

The three topics addressed in this set are Prayer, in "Milo the Manis Who Wouldn't Pray;" Behaving, in "Buzby and the Grumble Bees;" and Getting Along, in "Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight."

Each story begins and ends with Max Lucado and Hermie the catepillar having a discussion about the problem/theme in the upcoming story.  I think the animated portion of the DVD would hold a child's attention, but younger children may get restless during the initial exchange between Lucado and Hermie on repeated viewings.  Each DVD also contain bonus materials including a read-a-long story book, games, sing-a-longs, information of the making of the movie, trailers, ect. and additional materials like games, coloring pages, wallpaper, and screensavers that can be accessed on a computer.

Though children will like these characters and parents will find the message of the videos appropriate, I was a little disappointed with all the "talking" between Max Lucado and Hermie.  The games on the computer portion of the DVD  were trial versions without much instruction and once again long introductions diminishing my desire to try to play them. Overall, this DVD set was good, but did not overwhelm me. 

I received a complementary copy of this DVD set free 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.”

 



Deeper into the Word ~ New Testament

by Keri Kent

Words are important. They convey thoughts and bring understanding. But words sometimes can take on a richer meaning if you know the background or original meaning of the word. This is especially important when the words were originally written in another language or in an earlier period of time as in the case of the New Testament. In her book, Deeper into the Word, Keri Kent takes 100 of the most important words in the New Testament and does a word study that explains in more detail each word including it's original Greek form, biblical passages to give examples of it's usage, as well as background information for it's use in biblical times. These things, along with commentary gives the reader a better understanding of the word in a New Testament context.

This book can be used as a reference book to aid in the study of the New Testament. The words are listed alphabetically so users can easily find a word they are looking for. The research and writing style is academic, but not overly indepth so it is easily understood by those who have no knowledge of Greek. This book can be used as a catalist for further study. Keri also includes, in the Appendix, a list of helpful websites available if further study is desired. The book also lends itself to devotional readings if the reader chooses to take one word a day to meditate on.

Overall I found the book to be a helpful resource as one chooses to go deeper into the Word as the title suggests.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an unbiased review.

The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown

In her book, The Faith of Ronald Reagan, Mary Beth Brown painted a beautiful portrait of our 40th President and the faith he possessed. This book takes the reader on a journey from the small town of Tampico, Illinois where Ronald Reagan was born, to Dixon, Illinois where he was raised, all the way through to his career in the movie industry and then on to the White House. Throughout his life there were twists and turns and ups and downs, but through it all, Reagan saw the hand of God leading and directing him to God’s higher purpose. He was yielded to his God, and God used him.

Brown uses quotes from President Reagan’s autobiographies, and speeches along with interviews from those closest to him, including his wife Nancy, and his children, to tell his incredible story of faith which began with the influence of his mother Nelle and continued through to the “sunset of his life.” The Faith of Ronald Reagan was a testimony of his life, but also the testimony of the faithful God he served.

From the first page, to the very last, I was captivated by a man who I had heard so much about but never really knew until now. Brown's style of writing was easy to read and it portrayed Reagan's life in a way that most secular history books would not. I was inspired by Ronald Reagan’s life of faith and how God used this humble man for greatness because his life was yielded to Him. 

The book concluded with the five eulogies give at his memorial service on June 11, 2004 by his son Michael Reagan, George Herbert Bush, his daughter Patti Davis, Margaret Thatcher, and George W. Bush. Each person shared his or her personal experience with President Reagan. Though the stories shared were different, the underlying theme was the same. Ronald Reagan was a humble, kind, man of faith whose main purpose was to honor his Lord. I highly recommend this book.

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Walls by Ryan Rush

Walls divide. Walls separate. Walls can be built, but walls can also be broken through.  That is exactly what Ryan Rush wants people to know.  People need to realize that they do not have to remain stuck behind the walls that have been erected in their lives -- walls that keep them from experiencing all that God intends for them to know and experience.

Often people think their problems and circumstances are the walls that hold them back, but Ryan Rush sees it differently.  He believes it's not the circumstances themselves, but rather the mind-set in those circumstances that really is the barrier.  Do we possess a mind-set of faith and belief in God's promises, or are we overcome by doubt, fear, anger, or resentment for example?  Those, Rush would say, are really the walls that need to be broken by using the promises of God that address those issues.  It's believing the truths of what God has said in His Word, that brings us through to the other side.

The author used the analogy of the Berlin Wall as well as his personal testimony of his experiences dealing with the difficult situations involved in raising a daughter who has special needs to illustrate his ideas. He directs his readers to focus on God's promises as they deal with life situations in order to be drawn to a closer relationship with God, rather than allowing walls to go up that will keep them from the very thing that would help them.

Personally, I felt the book was a little slow at the start, as he tried to explain exactly what the walls were not, but as I continued reading, I began to understand the point he was trying to make. He made mention, many times, about a website, http://www.faithbreakthroughs.com/, where more information and people's testimonials could be found, but I was a little disappointed with the limited information found there unless you registered (for free) and logged in, which I did not choose to do. Overall it was a fairly helpful book, though I wish there was bit more "practical" help in providing God's promises that relate to various walls people may be facing rather than continuously pointing the reader to the "testimonials" on the FaithBreakthroughs' website. It almost sounded like an infomercial at times!

If you are reading this book in a small group setting, there are discussion questions following each chapter for personalizing the concepts that were presented.

 
I was provided a free "advance reader copy" of this book from Tyndale Publishers in order to write this review.