Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Pirates on the Farm

Denette Fretz's book, "Pirates on the Farm" is a children's book that tells the story of a band of pirates that decide to give up the high seas and try their hand at farming. The story tells us how the family that lives nearby deals with the pirates' unconventional farming methods and unruly behavior. The reaction that each person in the family nearby has was different - on person can't stand them, another loves them, etc.

In the end, everyone learns to get along and to "love their neighbor", but I'm still not sure how I feel about the way that there was so much animosity and intolerance up to the point where they become friends. I understand that in order to show the change of heart of the family, there had to be some conflict, but I think that the storyline probably could have been a little less unfriendly and still gotten the point across.

My children enjoyed the book, but to me when we read it, I mostly got out of it that it was a funny story about silly pirates, and I think that there could have been more emphasis placed on the actual moral of the story, which is loving your neighbors regardless of their actions, and being tolerant of others who aren't like you are.

The illustrations were cute, and I thought they were very well done. I would say that this book gets a 3/5. It's a cute story, but I think it probably could have been tweaked a little bit to make it a better read for young kids, so they don't read right through the actual message of the story.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

NIV Ragamuffin Bible

Zondervan Publishers' "NIV Ragamuffin Bible" is a Bible that is meant for the "bedraggled, beat-up & brokenhearted", as the title implies. The text of this Bible is a traditional New International Version translation, and it is consistent with other NIV translations. What makes this Bible slightly different from others is the addition of "reflections", which are little boxes placed throughout the text that have words of wisdom from Brennan Manning.

Brennan Manning, who is the author of "The Ragamuffin Gospel" and many other Christian works, passed away in 2013. This Bible, with many insights from Manning is a wonderful tribute to his life's work spreading the gospel of Christ. These "reflections" that are placed throughout this Bible are meant to encourage, uplift, and inspire. Manning's wisdom and insight shine throughout this Bible via his own words and thoughts.

I thought this Bible was a unique and wonderful way to help those who are struggling keep the faith, and find inspiration. I would definitely recommend this version of the Bible to anyone who is going through a difficult time, or struggling in their faith. It's a wonderful version, and Brennan Manning's words are soothing to any hurting soul.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book from BookSneeze.com, through their blogger program for free, in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Humility: An Unlikely Biography of America's Greatest Virtue

Humility: An Unlikely Biography of America's Greatest Virtue by David J. Bobb is a book that features some of the most popular historical figures with an emphasis on how they were guided by the virtue of humility. The book itself is really interesting as it gives another layer to some of the figures that we remember from history class - it really adds another dimension to the person that we know from a historical standpoint and makes the human connection more real. 

Humility: An Unlikely Biography of America's Greatest Virtue showcases the lives and decisions of people like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Abagail Adams. These names are associated with some of the most critical and influential times in American history, and Bobb makes the connection between each person and their amazing sense of humility. Bobb also makes a serious case for why humility is what is missing from modern day America, and why we must return to our humble roots in order to rally America. 

Dr. Bobb discusses the importance of humility in some of the most influential Americans, and how it affected their legacy in history, as well as affected history itself. I think that this book would make a great gift for any leader or history lover in your life, as it really offers an in-depth look at the true virtue of humility.I would give this book a 5/5. I am definitely going to be keeping this book on my bookshelf for future reading and reference.

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