Book Reviews

 

A new feature that I am hoping to accomplish on my blog is to share some of the great books I have been reading. This week, I am going to share with you a book written by Joe Bunting.

 

Before reading the book Let's Write a Short Story, I didn't really even know what made a short story. Mr. Bunting's book helped educate, informe and encourage me on my quest in learning the craft of writing. After reading the book (and doing some of the practice applications):

• I now know what makes up a short story 
• I have some great resources on publication possibilities 
• I have set a few goals 
• I have a clearer understanding in the unique world of writing

Let me share a few highlights of this great book:

• A challenge to write a short story every week
• Rejection is a badge of honor and by writing short stories I will be rejected sooner than if I wait until I submit a novel.
• That the privilege of being a writer is capturing the world's stories and putting them in a form that can be shared.
• Great guidelines on the how to write a short story.
• To be accountable and share on my blog that I intend to write a short story by the end of the month. (YES!)

I loved the easy to read style of this book, along with the tools shared on how to launch a career, become a better writer and small, practical steps towards publications. Not only is there practical tools and application steps, Joe has sprinkled encouragement throughout the book. At the end of the book, Joe shares many resources which I can't wait to check out. This is one "craft" book, I will be referring and recommending often. Thanks Joe for helping a newbie learn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although prophecy is often beyond my thinking, I really appreciated the handy, pocket size book recently written by Dr David Jeremiah. The Prophecy Answer Book helps the reader to understand past events while explaining events prophesied for the future. The layout of the book is a question and answer format that is easy to follow and understand making this an ideal book for group bible studies, discussions with your teen children or travel topic. Dr David Jeremiah uses scripture in his answers, allowing the reader a documented reference. This is a great reference book for beginners and advanced students of prophecy. *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

 

 

 

Recently I was blessed the chance to read an encouraging and inspirational book by John C Maxwell. The Right to Lead, Learning Leadership through Character and Courage is a delightful, easy read that would make an excellent gift for anyone on your list. Mr. Maxwell prefaces the book by asking the question, "What gives a man or woman the right to lead?" He than shares guidelines that will help prepare you to become a better leader. The book includes story's, antidotes and wisdom from many individuals on the character and courage that is necessary to be a leader among men. Some of the examples of leaders that are shared in this book are US Army General H Norman Schwarzkop, Nelson Mandela, Eric Liddell, Harriet Tubman, Japanese Consul-General Chiune Sugihara, Eddie Rickenbacker and many more.

 

Here's a quick glimpse of one antidote that really tugged at my heart:

 

In Germany the Nazis came first for the Communist, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me--and by that time no one was left to speak up.--Martin Niemoller

 

This is one book, I will definitely purchase a few extra to have on hand to share with others.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shhh, did you hear it? Can you feel it? The nudge or whisper you just heard could be from God. If your like me it can be a challenge to know if the voice you heard was from God or just your imagination gone wild. In Bill Hybels newest book, The Power of a Whisper: Hearing God. Having the Guts to Respond, Pastor Hybel shares story's of God whispers in people's lives.

 

 

This was the first book I have read by Bill Hybels and I was pleasantly surprised. For a non-fiction, religious book, it was a easy read, yet there was a great many pondering thoughts that could challenge a person. (if you take the time to ponder.) One of the things I appreciated about the book was the authentic nature it was written. The examples and story's are very real and believable.

 

Throughout the book, Pastor Hybels takes the reader on a journey of how he responded to God nudges and hearing God whisper in his life. He leads through example on how we, too, can hear God whisper.
In my opinion, one of the greatest resources Pastor Hybel gives us is short list of five filters that can help us test every whisper we receive. Below is the filter list, you should read the book to get more details.

 

Filter 1: Is the prompting truly from God?
Filter 2: The Scripture Filter
Filter 3: The General-Wisdom Filter
Filter 4: The Wiring Test

 

Filter 5: The godly Counsel Test

 

This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who needs encouragement that God is active and alive in our daily life or if someone is searching for the next step in their life journey.

 

I was given a copy of The Power of a Whisper as an advanced reader copy by Zondervan in exchange for my reading it and writing an honest review of the book. No other compensation was received and all views are mine and mine alone.