Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Tough Guys & Drama Queens

Mark Gregston's book, "Tough Guys & Drama Queens" is a book written to help parents avoid the pitfalls of their children's teenage years. What I really enjoyed was that Gregston was in touch with today's society and culture, and really understood the pressure that is placed on teenagers to act a certain way. It becomes vital for us as parents to help our children develop a strong moral compass, in order for them to make good decisions. The book focuses on parenting techniques, and really delves into which ones work and which ones don't. I really thought this was a great book, and would highly recommend this book to anyone with kids who are approaching the teenage years.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Jackson

"Jackson : The Iron Willed Commander" by Paul Vickery is another installment in The Generals series of books. The book profiles Andrew Jackson, from early childhood through his presidency and ensuing legacy. What I love about this series of books is the focus on the early lives of these great men in our history. Nearly everyone knows some of Andrew Jackson's most important career achievements, including that he was the 7th President of the United States. But the human element of some of the facts about his earlier years are absolutely fascinating. For example, as a young man Jackson fought cocks, drank alcohol, and gambled! Who would have thought that such an upstanding man would have had such a rowdy spirit in his earlier years! I also found it very interesting that he married a woman who was divorced, believing that the divorce had been finalized, only to discover two years after he married her, that the divorce had not been finalized. I thought this book was well written, and I really enjoyed how all of the little details about Jackson's life come together to give a surprising and interesting picture of the man that is counted among the greatest Generals in our nation's history. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history or Presidential history.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from BookSneeze.com's Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Implosion

Joel C. Rosenberg's newest book is called "Implosion: Can American Recover from its Economic & Spiritual Challenges in Time?"

This book is an analysis of the current economy, spiritual disposition, and historical accounts of the United States. Rosenberg's book makes his case that we are currently living in the End Times that the Bible warned us about. By using specific situations in American history, and linking events in our timelines with Biblical prophecy and warning, Rosenberg makes a very convincing argument.

Rosenberg uses examples such as the United States' relationship with Israel, as well as the rebirth of Israel and the Biblical implications of that relationship. Rosenberg discusses life in the last days, and the need for believers to analyze the times and be aware of the signs. Rosenberg also discusses financial fallout, war, terrorism, and natural disasters linked with prophecy to prove his point.

This book was a very interesting read, that opened up my mind and linked a lot of events with Biblical warnings. What I appreciated about this book was that Rosenberg had clearly done his research - this book uses fact, coupled with Biblical Scripture to make the case that the United States is currently on the edge of a cliff, and monumental change is inevitable.

I would recommend this book for any citizen who has genuine concerns about the Biblical era that we appear to be living in.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a favorable review.

Grant

"Grant" is yet another installment in "The Generals" series of books, written by Mitchell Yockelson. What I absolutely love about this series of books is the wide angle that the writers use - examining not only the military career of the chosen general, but their personal life and accomplishments as well. "Grant" is no exception to this pattern. This book begins with the early life of Ulysses S. Grant, which really shows the reader a more personal side of someone who is so celebrated for military achievements. I loved that this book really allows you to connect with Grant in a completely different way. Nearly everyone knows of Grant's success in the United States military, but did you know that he hated to hunt in his younger years? Or that he enjoyed swimming? Creating this personal, very human element in the biography of Grant really creates a connection with the reader. I thought this book was very well written, completely accurate, and even entertaining! I would highly recommend this book to any history lover in your life - I give this read 5/5!

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a favorable review.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

To Heaven and Back

Mary C. Neal's book, "To Heaven and Back" is an absolutely intriguing first hand account of a tragic accident that brought Mary to Heaven and back to her life on Earth. Mary was involved in a kayaking accident that pinned her underwater, effectively causing her to die. Mary tells us of her experience of her soul leaving her body, and entering a great hall, and her experiences with heavenly bodies. Mary tells of her sadness at learning that it was not yet her time, and being sent back to her human body. We also get to follow Mary's life after her extraordinary experience. I thought this book was really fascinating, and would highly recommend it to anyone - men, women, students, teachers. "To Heaven and Back" is inspirational and well written, and the perfect read. I loved it - would give it a 5/5.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free through the Blogging for Books blogger program. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Common Sense

I recently received a copy of "The Book of Common Sense for a Successful Life" by D.L. Dennis. I have to say that the title of the book was very true - this is a book that is nearly entirely common sense. In this book, Dennis attempts to enlighten us with spiritual, financial, and social advice. Most of the common sense tips in the book fall under the financial heading, discussing topics such as retirement, saving money, the value of money, and giving to the church and community. The problem that I had with this book was that most of the tips in this book are completely common sense, especially to those of us who have been around the block a time or two. I really didn't feel like I took much away from this book, because it was a lot of concepts that I am already very familiar with. Perhaps it would make a good gift for a college graduate or someone just starting out on their own, though.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free through the BookCrash.com blogging program in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.