Category: books

“Beyond Tallent” by John Mawell (A Review)

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Beyond Talent: Become Someone Who Gets Extraordinary Results by John Maxwell is a great book about maximizing potential.  Of all the Maxwell books I’ve read, I like this one the best.  The book is full of wisdom and insights that are intended to challenge the reader to maximize their potential.

I found this book to be very readable, practical and to the point.  I really appreciated the candor and self-disclosure of the author making the hard points palatable. This book has deffinately earned a spot in the leadership section of my library.

Over all its a great read and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in maximizing their potential.  This book is especially good for young leaders and professionals. I wish I had read this book at 18. The retail price of Beyond Talent is $16.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $11.55.  I gave it five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

“Radical Together” by David Platt (A Review)

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Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God by David Platt is a much better book than his first book Radical.  You can catch my opinion of Radical Here.  Dr. Platt has matured as a writer.  He presents a much more solid case in this book for calling churches to reform and addresses questions that the first book raised.

Overall, I’m a huge fan of the book, but more importantly the message that He is proclaiming to the American Church.  I really appreciate his sincerity and honesty in addressing pastors and lay leaders in this book.  My initial concerns withe the first book have been set at ease though not tempered completely.

I still need to see a clearer line of reasoning behind his correlation between poverty in India and comfortableness of  churches (14-15).  He either needs to point out that radical poverty exists in these places because Christians have been actively exploiting the poor. Like when the purchase of sugar supported slavery because the sugar was purchased from plantations run on slave labor.  Or he needs to make a case for how social justice is connected to the gospel.  To do neither makes the comparison an unfair accusation.  Either the church causes the exploitation of these people, or it is God’s clear call for the church to relieve suffering. It would have been worth another chapter to see him make this clear.  Timothy Keller does an excellent job of making the second point in his book, Generous Justice.

I highly recommend Radical Together to anyone interested in examining the pieces of the gospel that Westerners tend to ignore.  I think you will find the book highly motivating and challenging.he retail price of Radical Together is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $9.09. I gave it four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

“Jolt” By Phil Cooke (A Review)

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Jolt!: Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing by Phil Cooke is an exciting read.  The book is basically a list of 25 “jolts” or things that a person needs to do in order to be successful in the Western business world and in life (of course this all largely depends on your definition of success).   The chapters are generally small and very readable in a ten to fifteen minute coffee break and range anywhere from three to ten pages in length.

Initially I thought the book was a bit cheesy and I wish the author would have picked a different name. Even though I knew what Phil was talking about I couldn’t shake this image from my mind the whole time.  Never the less the book did prove to be very useful to me and I dog-eared several pages to come back to and review later.

Many of the thoughts aren’t that revolutionary, but they are strong reminders of some basic life strategies.  Phil does an excellent job of continuing to point to the things that really matter.  In the end I came to really enjoy and appreciate the book.

Over all its a great read with a great cover design and if you can ignore images of gum with a high caffeine content that goes by the same name you will have a great time reading it as well. The retail price of Jolt is $22.99 (hardcover), and is available around the web in places likeAmazon.com for $15.02.  I gave it four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

If You want to be a Leader, you need to be a reader: how I find time to read two books a week.

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I set out to read 100 books by the end of the year.  You can check my progress here.  Some people have come to ask… Where I find the time to read.

The short answer is while everyone else is watching TV… I’m reading.  Actually most of the time that I’m watching TV, I’m also reading a book.  I picked up the habit while in college and I was assigned 30 pages of reading every night for a literature class.  No one ever told me that it was strange to read all the assigned reading and so I read and I also watched TV with my roommates.  Somewhere along the way, I actually became decent at being able to navigate two narratives at once.

I also take a 15 minute lunch break 2 or 3 days a week depending on my schedule and read a chapter in a book while I eat the soup that I have brought with me to work. I’ve found that this is a great way to add 45 minutes to my work day (Normally I’d take an hour out to meet someone) and get in 15 minutes of reading.  I also read while doing other activities that require a minimal amount of response like cooking and brushing my teeth.  When all is said and done I get in about 1 to 2 hours reading each day. Most of it at night after I have put the kids to bed.

Bottom line.  If I spent as many hours reading as the average person spends watching television each year I would be able to read well over 100 books. Sometimes it is all about perspective and time management.  On occasion I’ve been criticized for reading too much. Yet, not many people would think much of me spending 2-4 hours a night watching television or cruising the internet.  What matters more to you?  The complete season of CSI or NCIS or the half dozen books you could read while one of these shows is on this season? Since I’ve never found anything of lasting value from watching episodes of CSI* I choose to have the TV on in the background and read about 50 -100 pages of a good book.

“The Final Summit” By Andy Andrews (A Review)

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The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity by Andy Andrews isn’t a decent book and so it was rather difficult for me to want to read.  The book appears to be headed one direction at the beginning and then takes a total different course.  Throughout the book it is clear that the author is stabbing at a few principles like “debt is for dummies” and then later something about a pre-flood super race of people.   It is clear that there is a barb there somewhere, but it is difficult to grasp where Andy is really aiming.

I don’t want to give away the plot, the central them of the book was to give a two word answer to the angel Gabriel on what humanity needs to do in order to not be wiped out again like in the flood.  I was really hoping for a great answer in the end like “trust Jesus,” but the author had a more man-centered answer.  Needless to say, at the climax of the book I was highly disappointed.

Now to rant for just a second.  I wish the author would have given as much attention to the theological themes with which he meddles as he did the historical themes that are present throughout the book.  I was a fan of Andy Andrews, I’m not a fan of this book, now I’m rethinking the whole being a fan of Andy Andrews thing.

The retail price of The Final Summit is $19.99 (hardcover), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $10.86.  I gave it two stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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 Secret of Indigo Moon” By G. P. Taylor (A Review)

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The Secret of Indigo Moon (The Dopple Ganger Chronicles) by G. P. Taylor is a fascinating book filled with mystery and intrigue.  The book is designed for children and young adults who don’t read often.  The narrative switches between a regular novel format with plain words on a page and graphic novel format where pages are filled with art depicting the scenes as they unfold.  Over all I was very impressed with the format.  The art work is also top-notch and fascinating in its own right.

I really enjoyed the content of the book.  G. P. Taylor is a master storyteller when it comes to engaging a middle school audience.  The Secret of Indigo Moon is a suspenseful tale of mystery and intrigue  filled with secret passageways, cover-ups, and disguises.  I found myself reading the whole book in one sitting.

I really like The Secret of Indigo Moon and I highly recommend it for middle school students and adults who enjoy such literature.  I especially like the blending of graphic art and novel formats.  I think it will engage a younger audience.  The retail price of The Secret of Indigo Moon is $19.99 (Hardcover), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $13.59. I gave it five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

“Chazown” By Craig Groeschel (a Review)

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I like the book Chazown by Craig Groeschel.  In my estimation the book is written primarily for Christians who are hoping to develop self-discipline in their lives.  Groeschel has an engaging style that is reminiscent of Andy Stanley.  The premise of Chazown is similar to that of Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven® Life, though Chazown by nature comes off as more of a Christian insider book.  There are also a few places in the book where the author takes on a voice similar to Henry Blackaby in Experiencing God and asks the reader to see where God has been working.

Though I am a fan, I do have a major reservation about the book.  The message of self-discipline is one that is deeply needed, especially in our culture and it is biblical.  However, I’m afraid that an emphasis on self-discipline apart from an adequate portrait of Christ can lead to a works based righteousness view of sanctification.   I don’t think that was the author’s intent.  Again, I sense that the book was written for Christian “insiders” and so a lot was perhaps taken for granted.

Overall I thought the book was great.  The website that accompanies the book is great and the book is one of the best I have ever read on how to practically develop self-discipline in crucial areas of your life.  I highly recommend this book for believers who are looking to develop godly habits in their lives. The retail price of Chazown is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $10.19. I gave it four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

Review: The Grad’s Guide to Surviving Stressful Times

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I greatly enjoyed reading The Grad’s Guide to Surviving Stressful Times ! Initially I thought it would just be another corny book aimed at recent or soon to be high school graduates full of useless information and cheesy antidotes.  I was pleasantly surprised to find a great book of substance. Though I do think the publishers should rework the cover. (Some people still do judge a book that way you know).

In Surviving Stressful Times the authors take the reader through a survey of Daniel the prophets life, offering tidbits of wisdom and guidance all along the way.  The book is geared towards graduates, but the theme lends itself to a great series for older teens and young adults.  I really liked the authors writing style.  The book was easy to read, yet full of Biblical principles and truth.

With that being said, the authors did take a little more liberty with the contextualization of the story that I was comfortable with. While at times they did an excellent job of explaining the original cultural context by comparing and contrasting current teen culture, as the book progressed they became more sloppy about providing background and went straight for application which can be misleading.

Overall I thought it was an incredibly well written book and will recommend it to several young adults in my life. The retail price is $14.99 (hardcover), and is available around the web in places like  Amazon.com for prices as low as $11.24. I gave it FOUR stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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 Review of “Game Plan for Life” by Coach Joe Gibbs

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Game Plan for Life by Joe Gibbs is a fantastic book!  Joe Gibbs is a 3-time Super Bowl Champion, 3-time NASCAR Champion, and a man’s man in the sports world.  I was greatly encouraged and motivated reading this book.  (To be honest I thought it was going to be another corny sports book, but was greatly impressed at how Joe and his team use sports to illustrate God’s game plan for life.)

Joe writes a few chapters of autobiography and then introduces a team of all-stars in their fields of expertise who take on the tough questions that men are facing.  Joe writes a brief intro to each chapter explaining his own struggles and triumphs in a given area and then turns the chapter over to the expert.  The chapters cover topics such as: Finances, Health, Relationships, Vocation, The Bible, Creation, God, Sin and Addiction, Salvation, Purpose, and Heaven.

I found the book to be very genuine and very encouraging.  I think it would be especially helpful to men who have questions in these areas of life or for a believer to share with those who have questions about Christianity or how the Christian life works out practically.

Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it for men who are looking for practical answers to some of life’s questions. The retail price of Game Plan for Life is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $10.19. I gave it five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

 

Another Great Book by Author Timothy Keller!

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King’s Cross by Timothy Keller is an amazing book.  Keller leads the reader through the gospel of Mark sharing background and key insights all along the way.  One of the especially encouraging things I appreciate about this book is the way that Keller illustrates the gospel at every turn through the lens of scripture. Every verse, every reference centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It provoked me to greater admiration and worship of God. I gave it 5+ stars.

I pre-ordered my copy from Amazon.com.  I was really impressed with the way they handled my order.  The price dropped between the time that I ordered and the time the book shipped and they passed the savings along to me!  The retail price for Kings Cross is $25.95, but it’s still on sale at Amazon.com for less than $16.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”