20 of 1001 Books: H.G. Wells' The Time Machine

After reading The Time Machine, I'm unsure why our 12th grade AP literature teacher had us read Timeline instead of The Time Machine. I don't even remember her mentioning H.G. Wells that pioneered the genre. Don't get me wrong, as an 18 year old I found more Timeline to be enjoyable, and even to do this day I remember it as a good book, but Wells seems to have more historical and literary aspects to explore when teaching.

Summary: An unnamed explorer recounts his travels to a group of men. These aren't just any travels though, but his travels through time. In the world he travels to he finds to different races. The Eloi who he finds some welcome with, and the Murdocks, who are scary and he believes are keeping his time travelling machine from him. Beyond the debacle of trying to get his time machine back, the explorer also sees a scary tomorrow in the future race if men don't change their ways. The hatred between the two groups has cast them apart from each other, and in different realms.

I should be honest and admit that I do have Spark Notes open while reading through older books, especially if they were written before the 1900s. My skill in reading the style is lacking, but I think it's slowly building as I practice reading slower. The Time Machine for the most part, I read just fine. It's not one that is too complicated to read. My main problem is that I'm not a huge science fiction fan, but I understand it's a popular genre. This also builds up more of a respect I can have for what H.G. Wells did for people who love the genre, by giving them the genre.

I've also come to enjoy exploring how writers then conveyed the way their own narrators in the story told their stories. In Frankenstein the book is a man writing to his love about a man they found stranded on an island with his monster. In The Time Machine it is an explorer telling his tale of a future land to other men, perhaps in the hopes of warning them away from a future he saw, but only one person seems to have any further inkling to explore the explorer's tale to heart. For most the books from then it doesn't seem people just imagined telling a tale as if it was happening in that moment. It was people referring to their past in the form of storytelling.

Credit: dlee at Free Images

You probably won't realize how innovative the book was unless you think of the time it was created in. No cars existed yet, electricity was just being explored, and a book like this is invented. It also shows that people have always perceived earth to have an inevitable Dsytopian future that still has yet to be seen. Not saying it isn't further dsytpia than what was, but nothing like The Time Machine and many others have seen thus far.

It is also interesting all the possible political undertones in the novel. I'm not familiar with British history, so I would know very little about what Wells' implies in his novel as far as his own views, but if you're familiar with the time of then, you would surely pick up on it.

The Victorian England setting and the weaving of technology seem a surefire way to inspire subculture fans, including steampuns, even to this day. In a way it's sort of awe inspiring and intriguing just how much Wells left an impact on the earth. In writing a book about the future and it's destination he actually spun many things into the world that I wonder if he even expected?

21 of 1001 Books: Guy de Maupassant's Bel Ami

Bel Ami was the book I picked up next on the 1001 list. I'm not sure why I was drawn to reading this one next, but it turned out to be an unexpected intriguing read. The story centers around an unlikable cast of characters and shows the depth of human depravity. In a way Breaking Bad reminds me of the same sentiments. Anyways, the story shows how far one many will go to get what he wants, and also enjoy the attention on the way there.

Summary: Georges Duroy has been in the military in Algeria, and now is back in France after his deployment. Starting out as a poor ex-military, he's looking to garner power and money in the society. He meets with a former comrade, Forestier, who helps him become a journalist for minor news. Madeleine, helps Duroy with his articles. She is also Forestier's wife. They grow closer as he advances as the paper, until he is advanced to chief editor. Even though he has grown close to her, he also has several other women he is interested in, and Duroy isn't looking for any single commitment.

There have been several versions of Bel Ami adapted to screenplays. Including a movie starring Robert Pattinson, which I'm curious to see as Pattinson seems suiting to the lead character. Actually, the cast of that movie looks good. The other was a television movie.

Back to the story though. The story takes place in France, and for me this added to the intrigue, especially since the culture there, especially in the late 1800s, seems drastically different than American culture and standards. The book was written in 1885 and set in Paris. There are lots of affairs and sex. Not only that, but the novel sets deeper motives than love and lust for the advances.

I was hoping Duroy would get his, but as the world works, so does this novel. Everyone else was justifiably as bad as him, so it may take the sting of his out of his taking advantage of these women's power accordingly. Instead well he goes and does what he need to to keep going.

The story is provocative, and there is something alluring about the characters in the story. Even though they are unlikable, they don't ever seem to be intended to make us like them. Instead of just feels like the lower bottom of the branch of humanity has been brought up in this story to show how far people will and go betray others for what they want.

Don't worry though, you won't walk away from this story as depressed as it seems, but it will be on your mind still. It's one of the better classics, particularly from before the 1900s I've read, so I take that as a positive and a hope for future readings from this era.

Book Review: Judith Miller's The Chapel Car Bride

The Chapel Car Bride is history lens recollecting the times as a sentimental cushion. It would be one thing if Judith Miller didn't share in her biography she is a history buff, but since she does I have to pop the bubble. The absence of New River in the descriptions of West Virginia to the vague mentions of "strikes and unions" leave the reader with an unclear picture of West Virginia and the struggles of the poor.  The way people interacted in the book isn't even realistic to human nature. Perhaps, that is the appeal, but is it healthy?

Summary: With her penchant for seeing the best in everyone, Hope Irvine sees a world full of good people in hard places. When her father accepts a position traveling in a chapel car as an on-the-rail missionary, she is determined to join him in his efforts and put her musical skills to good use by serving the mining families of West Virginia, saving their souls, and bettering their lives.

Luke Hughes shares Hope's love of music and her love of God, but as a poor miner he knows he can offer her no future. Still, the notes she sings resonate in his heart. When she begins to travel with a young mine manager to neighboring counties, Luke can hardly suppress his jealousy. It isn't until he begins to suspect these missions of mercy might be the mine manager's cover for illegal purposes, though, that Luke feels justified in speaking up. But how can he discover the truth without hurting Hope or, worse, putting her in danger?

Book Review: Love Letters from God - Bible Stories for a Girl's Heart

Love Letters from God - Bible Stories for a Girl's Heart by Glenys Nellist is everything a person might look for in a book to read their kids. It's beautifully illustrated by Rachel Clowes, has simple messages, and kids love to lift the flaps in books. How this book appears to vary from the other books in the Love Letters from God series is slightly troubling though. The other books feature stories from the most popular people of the Bible like Noah and David, and some we might not be as familiar with like Nathan. The difference is how the women of the Bible are sometimes depicted between the other books stories gets a little different treatment.

Book Review: Lovina Eicher's The Essential Amish Cookbook

I've been adding books with recipes to my shelves lately, so I was curious when I had the opportunity to read and review one. This cookbook has almost everything I imagine you would want in a cookbook. The sections are well divided up, the photos are beautiful, and the directions are straightforward. To keep with the idea of an Amish cookbook we also have parts where Eicher lets us a little in their lives to give it a personal touch.

Summary: Bestselling cookbook author and food columnist Lovina Eicher brings together the best of Amish cooking in The Essential Amish Cookbook: Everyday Recipes from Farm and Pantry. Join Eicher as she shares traditional Amish recipes along with her own kitchen tips and secrets. Growing up, Eicher learned to cook and bake at an early age alongside her mother, longtime columnist and Amish cookbook author Elizabeth Coblentz, and has put those skills to use in her own Amish kitchen as she cooks for her eight children.

Book Review: Steve Berger's Between Heaven and Earth

There are a lot of books of recent coming out to discuss the matter of heaven of late. Whether it's to recount an experience going there, particular questions you hear commonly asked about the place, or like this one just focusing why it's important to be Heaven minded. Except of the ones I've read of recent Steve Berger's discussion on the matter seems to be the most repetitive. The better parts are where he discusses his own experiences, but he does that so few times, and focuses on other aspects that just aren't as impacting that the book just seems like a message for everyone to go out an be missionaries.

Summary: Steve Berger experienced a tragic loss when his 19 year old son, Josiah, died in a car crash. After his death Berger began studying his son's new home in heaven, and now he is committed to bringing the same hope he has found in one spending eternity there that he has found as well. He gives hope for those who hope to find their loved ones there, and how we will experience God there. He also provides reassurance of not feeling pain again. This book is to give hope to the reader for the beyond.

Book Review: Jim Henderson and Matt Casper's Saving Casper

This book is intended for Christians, and mostly Christians who are baffled by how to act and talk around those who are nonbelievers. The niche is small for the book, but I'm also sure that Jim and Matt hope that others will become curious enough to pick up the book just to see where the conversation leads between the two. If you're familiar with Jim and Matt then you also known they have done another book together where they traveled across the U.S. and visited churches together to see how Matt as an atheist would perceive the churches they went to. Now with this book they follow up with his own thoughts of how he perceives Christians in general.

Summary: Matt Casper is an atheist, or currently an atheist he says. He has became friends with Jim Henderson who is currently a Christian as he calls it. Jim hopes that by getting Matt acquainted with the Christian community that maybe the perceptions about atheist and how we approach them can be changed to be more open and learn to treat people as people because if there is something missing from the approach of Christians witnessing to nonbelievers it's that they seem to treat them more like projects than people.

Book Review: Christin Ditchfield's What Women Should Know About Facing Fear

Many women struggle with anxiety, myself included. There are days it can be quite crippling, and others it isn't as bad. It's always there though even when I'm not thinking about it it's as if I can feel the anxiety just sitting there. Christin Ditchfield gives a faith based approach in trying to get your anxiety more in control. I like how Ditchfield acknowledges though that if you have a more severe form of anxiety though that you need to probably seeking counseling as it's probably beyond just being a nagging voice.

Summary: Women are more often than not the ones to struggle with anxiety. We have fears of change or worries about our health that cause us to sometimes to remain crippled in one spot with the inability to move forward. Even the ability to say no to turn down someone's invitation brings us anxiety and you say yes to something you wouldn't want to attend. Christin Ditchfield empowers women to calm their anxiety by studying other strong women of the Bible, and providing words from Jesus that can provide comfort. With a question and answer at the end of each chapter her book doubles a guide and journal to walking you away from anxiety.

Books To Read Over Again

There is one book that I've read twice and that I plan to read again, but there other books that I also plan to read again yet I haven't made it back around to again. Unlike movies or television that are easier to rewatch, it takes much more time to pick up a book and to begin reading it again. Along with the one I read twice already, there are others I'm picking up again.

I was only going to write about The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and then I realized I've already made several blogs about it. This is the book I've read twice, which makes sense since it is a short book. You could consume it in a day or less if committed to it. I find as I grow older that this book's themes stick with me. It captures high school in a real way, but the sense of belonging, troubled past, and the overall arching journey are one that can't help but feel real.

Stephen King is one of my favorite authors, and there are actually a few books I could reread from him. 11/22/63 is one of my recent favorites from him that I definitely want to make a go around at once again. Another I loved from Stephen King also makes for one of my favorite Halloween reads to get out, Pet Semetary. There is no book I've read that is spookier yet grasps at the real depths of grief like this one does. I have chills just recalling it.

A series that I enjoyed that I rarely mention on the blog is The Harry Potter series. I do plan on going back to reread this one, but I think it's intimidated me a good bit. When I first read this I was in a very particular state of mind that suited the book. It was a series I didn't even expect to enjoy, so I didn't read it until I was 21. J.K Rowling has such a way with writing characters that I was pulled into this series though. Rowling so far has proven to be one of my favorite writers.

Another novel I hope to read again is East of Eden from John Steinbeck. I don't easily consume classics, but this one was notable and easy to relate to for me. I think it says a lot for the future of what I enjoy regarding books. The dark elements aren't horror, but they feel so humanely real they are frightening. To go back and read this one again will mean allotting much time to digest and take in even the smaller intricacies of this novel that might have been first missed upon reading.

Now this will shock, and perhaps ruin any credit from my reading taste by the aforementioned, but I read the Twilight series and enjoyed them. I get they completely go against a lot of values and progressiveness that society wants, but I hate to say it but any girl who hasn't had a real relationship and enjoys this story just finds something exciting about it. At the time I read this it was just fun. That is the only way to sum it up. Now I don't know that I would have the same feeling reading it now, but I had such fond memories of reading this book that I can't but be curious about whether I could pick up why I enjoyed it.

What books would you go back and read every year?

Book Review: Robin Parrish's Vigilante

   Nolan Gray is out to become a modern day superhero after becoming disappointed with the non-stop violence around him. He is a war hero who sets up his own death so he can reinvent himself as someone who helps the victims of these crimes.
    This is the first novel I've read that has tried to take the superhero craze from comics, and graphic novels in a different format. I've always enjoyed the movies based from the comics, but I'm not a comic reader so I've never read them. Vigilante offered me the chance to enjoy superheroes through novels.
     The novel is entertaining, and it tries to explain all the characters motives for why they are apart of what they do. It never leaves you wondering why would a character act in the way they did? I mainly wish that the main character, Nolan Gray, was more complex.  He seemed too perfect, but also somewhat like Batman. Actually if you're looking for a comic he was most like it was Batman. He deals with a lot of the troubles that Batman has to, and Nolan Gray's mission is to clean up the crime in his city. Nolan's spiritual background is why he wants to help fight crime in the city, which is the main difference between him and other superhereos. I guess people would say this is the girl in me, but I wish he had a prominent romantic interest, but that was lacking.  It would have made the novel much more memorable to me. If this turns out to be a series I'll continue to be interested enough to see where it goes.
  Vigilante is a different book than what is out there.  If you're a superhero fan, and just into action then you'll enjoy what this novel has to offer.

This complimentary copy was provided by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review.

Book Review: Jarrid Wilson's Jesus Swagger

Sometimes you begin a book with hesitance but believe it may unravel the expectations set by the title and cover. This was not the case this time nor is it many other times. There are things to think about when naming a book "Jesus Swagger," mostly how will this sound in a few years when no one uses the word swagger. Imagine a book called "Gnarly Jesus" or "Cool Cat Jesus." Nothing is wrong with writing a book to associate with the times, but putting an era on Jesus seems limiting.

The real question is whether this book provides substance? Jarrid Wilson is always hitting on the surface of bigger points, but he never quite takes a stance drawing the reader in. There are big statements people following Christ can agree on. It's put on such a middle ground you can't disagree. Wilson discusses it in a certain way that you'll probably think that is a great realization and then wonder why you weren't thinking something like that already?

Jarrid Wilson has also written other books. He wrote 30 Words Devotional under the idea that it takes 30 days to form a new habit, and provides 30 days of ways to grow in a relationship with God using a word for each day. Jarrid Wilson is a pastor living in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife. He also has a popular blog making talk.

Jesus Swagger is his most recently released book. The focus is on breaking away from posing as a Christian, and striving to practice the characteristics of Christ. Now I definitely love the intentions behind what Jarrid is talking about.  There are a lot of people doing things in the name of Christ making people who claim the same faith like me question the roots of what they are saying? It's become troubling for those wondering about the misrepresentation of Christ's message.

Now this seems like a deep topic to handle, so upon opening the book I'm thinking we are going to go where Philip Yancey didn't go in Vanishing Grace. We are going to get a bold message questioning the specifics of people saying things in God's name that are exclusive to the outcasts, but that isn't what happens.

Instead the book centers around a younger audience than I think is even my millennial age group. The author loosely details his rebellious high school years of parties he had, and how at the time of disrespecting his parents wishes he was also professing the name of Christ. While I'm definitely someone who is all about changing from ways like that to get to the basis of trying to live a more intentional lifestyle for Christ I've observed other concerning things socially in society concerning the integration of Christ's name and it's representation of who he truly is.

I think Jarrid does a much more outspoken job on his own blog, but the book doesn't quite hit like it does. Plus I can't help that sometimes I feel what we are and not doing sometimes meshed with the guilt inducing encouragement to change your ways. Shouldn't it just be enough to want to practice a lifestyle of Christ set by the Gospel because of who he is? Not because I feel someone is thinking I'm not doing it right? Can you change someone's foundation for why they pose for Christ or determine whether they have real Jesus Swagger?

I think Jarrid has the right intentions. I don't think he's intending to guilt anyone into anything at all, it was more so just a thought associated with the topic. I do wonder what the goal of the book is? Why is it important to speak to those posing for Christ, and not the people who might be hurt in the use of the name of Christ by the posers? They seem to be the real concern for me, and yet that doesn't seem to be addressed at all. You can perhaps change the posers, but helping the ones hurt by the posing is much more difficult.

This book was provided by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a review.

22 of 1001 Books: Mikhail Lemontov's A Hero of Our Time

I don't know I will ever be a fan of books romanticizing the superfluous man. Does anyone like Pechorin after reading this? He portrays a distinct type of character in this novel. One that doesn't live by social norms doing whatever he wants. In the wake of doing whatever he wants he leaves the world flipped upside down for some. Women heartbroken and men dead. For the traveler though this book sparks the imagination and wanderlust stirring you to read on with the vivid descriptions of the Caucasus Mountains.

Book Review: Ginny Owens and Andrew Greer's Trandscending Mysteries

Andrew Greer and Ginny Owens teamed up for Transcending Mysteries, which is apart of a series of thoughts on the Bible that also includes the book, Divided. In this book they discuss how to take the Old Testament and make applicable themes that hold with the transition of time. Continuing the relevance of the Old Testament with the New Testament they share own instances of their lives, and how stories from the Old Testament moved with them personally.

Ginny Owens hails from Jackson, Mississippi.  I found her parts of the book a bit more interesting. I think hearing about her personal thoughts on chapters she used, and how she has found them to have messages toward her life is moving. She had been involved in lots of social work outside of her songwriting and performing career. In helping around her community she contributed to helping rebuild New Orleans with organizations she is involved in. While she talks about everything from going legally blind at a young age to being single.

Book Review: Trip Lee's Rise

Trip Lee is an author, rapper, and now pastor. He's juggling a lot of cards right now including being a father and husband, so when reading Rise you'll find a lot of real life narratives that Lee has put to use in his own life. Each chapter focuses on an occasion to rise for God, and show your faith. The book has a lot of motivational speech, and grows in depth as you read.

Summary: God created people for more than what they may be rising to now, and Lee wants to encourage the younger generation to rise up more than they are now for God. He doesn't just encourage others though, he puts himself in the hot box with everyone else. Lee leaves no problem that maybe hindering the reader untouched, and he finds a way to continue to motivate the reader past the issue they maybe dealing with. The book gets personal more toward the end as he recounts his decision to marry at a young age, and outside of his race, and also his recent battle of being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Disease.

If you've heard Trip Lee's music you might know that he's breaking the mold of faith based hip hop, and him and Lacrae have gotten their names out there. Lee though doesn't seem to have let this fame go to his head, and he has instead remained humbly dedicated to his passion. Not only that, but he seems in tune with reminding people of their purpose to serve Christ.

The book does inspire, but I also was reaching for depth that I could never really find. I liked the honesty that Lee begins revealing to the reader at the end, but for the first part of the book I couldn't help but feel I was being yelled at. I also felt the target of the audience was mixed. It's aimed at people my age, which is in their twenties or thirties, but I felt maybe the audience was a bit younger than me.

I also felt while encouraging people to overcome certain sins and step into church service, some of the difficulties of this were overlooked as well. There are many reasons people maybe dealing with what they are dealing with, and while this book may inspire them in the moment, the issue may need a lot more dealing with than a simple change of mindset.

Not to give people excuses, but I feel there are just so many layers to the surface layer being addressed. If you're looking for a quick read that is tying to motivate you in something you're already feeling pulled to do then it works for that.

I love how Lee tries to relate to his reader as well, but I think theologically we are different as well. I'm a huge person who takes into account the cultural surroundings of the Bible, and while I think Lee does that, it leaves the book still reading with a different vibe for me. I didn't disagree with what he said, but I had some thoughts where my mind began to wonder.

This book was provided by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a review.

Book Review: Donald Miller's Scary Close

I've only read one other Donald Miller book, Blue Like Jazz, and as a young college student I related to it. Now Miller is back after a few years of not writing a book that is a transition into maturity, and suiting for my current time in life. Miller has a way with words and with his humor, and his ability to share his own shortcoming and use real scenarios helps the reader gravitate toward him.

Summary: Donald Miller was beginning to notice a pattern in his life of failed relationships, and social situations of pretending to keep up an act. Meeting Betsy, his wife, began to open his eyes to seeking true intimacy with other people. Miller explores his own life, and how his influences have hindered or helped him now, and he also tells stories from friends about their own search to find better relationships. As you're reading the stories the reader also begins to think about their own life, and the patterns they make in forming relationships. It's an eye opening read for not only the reader, but an act of exploration for the authors.

I was surprised when I read Relevant's recommendations of books to read this year, and Donald Miller's was absent from the list. The magazine has been oddly mute regarding the very popular millennial author's book release. Outside of that source I had heard many good things about this book. Knowing Miller he puts his all into a book, and even though it reads like a memoir you also learn a lot about yourself while reading as well.

In relationships we can be quick to blame other people why out relationship with them didn't work out. You can apply this to many types of relationships, but the primary focus that Miller goes in on is parenting and romantic relationships. It makes sense as these two types of relationships will have the most influence on your life, and for many people it will bring up great questions to consider.

If you enjoyed Blue Like Jazz then you are most likely going to like this one the same or more. It doesn't fall to be less than it though. There is wiser ideas, and the book seems more personal. Blue Like Jazz seemed to have much more of story related accounts, and this one embarks on a lot of personal questions where Miller is seeking answers about himself.

The book stays intriguing toward the end, and the book is well laid out with each chapter moving the previous forward in how we see Miller progressing, and even ourselves. I found one of the interesting chapters to be on Donald and Betsey's realization and the gravity of having children. I would recommend this book for sure to people who are considering being parents. Overall the book just feels like it could be for anyone. It's real and honest.

This book was provided by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a review. 

Book Review: Ken Wytsma's The Grand Paradox

I decided to read this book because it was on Relevant Magazine's recommended list for 2015. The book was better than I expected with lots of in depth thoughts. Many books I've been reviewing seem to handle many thoughts without giving a conclusive direction, and this book succeeds in doing that. At times it can get a bit wordy, and I didn't walk away still thinking about the book, but it at least got me thinking in the moment about my faith, as I was reading.

Summary: Wystma tackles a lot of thoughts people struggle with regarding Christianity. He goes over how the happiness promoted by the world is contradicting to what Christ teaches, and how doubt can be a healthy part of growing in faith. He also discusses the struggles of the world, and how instead of trying to achieve not struggling, but learning how to grow from our struggles. As pastor at Antioch Church, and the president of Kiln College, Wystma uses his ability to teach to provide a clearer book on these topics that leaves the reader less baffled.

 Between Soren Keirgaard and C.S. Lewis quotes, it's difficult to know where their thoughts end and Wystma's begin. I almost felt some of the book was advertisement to go out and read their works, and just bypass on this book. This doesn't take away from the fact this book makes great points, and gives this a go to book to read.

It covers many thoughts you might get expanded in the books references in a more concise and cleaned up presentation.  I probably sounded like I was going in a negative direction with a reference, but I wasn't. This book becomes very philosophical, but no so much so it's difficult to wrap your head around. It will make you question how you're approaching your faith, and in the end how to better work with it and grow.

Another thought when reading, was how this book didn't read easy. For simple ideas the book seems to drift. I had a tough time getting through what was short ideas because the great ideas that aren't difficult to grasp, are presented in an overwhelming manner. Perhaps the author wanted to get scholarly for the everyday reader? Maybe the target isn't the everyday faith based reader?

What I like about the book is the true ideas presented without the author becoming self righteous. I've read several books that seem to wrestle with grand yet simple to explain ideas, and they come rambling and a bit judgmental. This one at least makes good to carry some weighty ideas for the everyday person.

It isn't the easiest read. I'm not sure why, but it can struggle to maintain the attention. It narrows down ideas you'll find with Lewis and Kierkgaard in a manner that you don't have to seek out their works to read unless you want to expand on it.

As for books recommended by Relevant, I can see why. It reaches to the audience they reach to, and it covers points in a way that appeals to the 20-30 demographic, and as someone in that demographic I got the appeal.


This book was provided by Book Look Blogger in exchange for a review.

Book Review: Sean Lowe's For the Right Reasons

I'm going to let this information fly free, but I watch the Bachelor. It's addictive, and I don't know if I want to give it up. A few seasons ago one of the most memorable bachelors made his appearance, Sean Lowe, and he was the first Bachelor on the show to marry the woman he chose. He also became known as the "born again virgin." Thankfully, in the book he clarifies he became known as that by no advertising or coining of his own, which was a bit of relief. He didn't even seem to like the term. This book leads to many more interesting discoveries upon this one, most interesting of all, what goes on behind the scenes.

Summary: Sean Lowe was a guy trying to find a job he loved in the world, after the loss of football. He never knew what whirlwind adventure he would be put in when his sister and brother in law signed him up for The Bachelorette. After a rejection from Emily Maynard, Bachelor Nation grew to like Sean Lowe, and it made him a prospect to star in The Bachelor. Unknown to him his wife was waiting in the group that he would meet.

I had many thoughts while reading this book that went everywhere. I was wondering why the longest chapter seems to be dedicated to too much football, does Sean still condone fracking?, The Bachelor process seems more genuine than thought, but also just as manipulative, and even maybe Sean isn't that bad of a guy? I was everywhere, and was wondering how I would sum up my thoughts on this one after I finished reading.

Sean's season of The Bachelor

I'm going to begin with my first thought. The first couple of chapters of this book are a bit boring. I understand that football was a huge part of Sean's life, but reading the first couple of chapters was hard to get through. I could have not cared much to hear as much detail on football. Soon we move into more interesting waters, like Sean graduating and finding a job. Now things got questionable here, because a lot of the jobs that Sean took on seem morally and ethically questionable. Yet he never seems to indicate if he ever came to terms with how they might have damaged the other person's life. He is advertising on the book on how a nice guy can finish first, but some of the chapters earlier don't depict what I would consider "nice guy." I'm sure that Sean learned a valuable lesson, and we can tell he felt bad, but after he got the job at the insurance agency we never hear again about the lives perhaps damaged by fracking near their homes? Or the guy who he borrowed money from for an investment, and then lost it all with the guy not knowing Sean's company was on verge of collapse. What happened to these people? It's like the first bit of the book talks about Sean's life being so stressful and complicated, but yet he sought very fishy ways of making money by using other people's money. That can go very bad or okay.

The next part becomes a lot more interesting after Sean makes it onto The Bachlorette. Not because hearing a rehash of the show was interesting, but because of the setup behind scenes. I think being a social cynic made me perceive a lot of the interactions with staff more negatively than Sean took it. They assigned one person who seemed to stick closer to Sean through the entire season, this also led to him feeling tighter and closer to this staff, and they also would share their own feelings if they thought him and Emily were growing close. The staff seemed to genuinely want him to win Emily's heart, but I also wonder if they set that up so the emotions are fueled up by people who give you affirmations of someone's attention. Now for the season where he is the actual Bachelor, a lot is revealed too, and a lot more real moments happen according to Sean than people might think.

People cover story they were shocked to see.

Lastly, I want to say that Sean ultimately ended up not being as I thought he was. He acknowledges he isn't perfect, and for the most part faulted. I thought it was respectful how he treated the women on the show. I heard the recent Bachelor, Chris, talking about a woman on his season with Jimmy Kimmel, and he called her crazy. While this woman may be coming off odd, he wasn't very considerate or aware in his language of calling her crazy and laughing about what maybe was going on with her, and how it might affect her seeing how she is portrayed on television. Now Sean seemed much more aware of that. He didn't talk about any of the woman in a negative light, including Tierra, from his season who caused a lot of controversy with the other women. I thought this at least showed that while Sean has faults, he does try to take in the surrounding pressures and issues lurking while on this show. I also liked how Sean did make a point to voice he doesn't think his or Catherine's sexuality defines their faith, and he seemed concerned that anytime he mentioned his beliefs those two were intertwined. I agreed and was glad to see he wanted the focus to be on a faith in Christ, and not what someone is doing that is their personal business.

Are you watching this season of The Bachelor?

Will you pick up Sean Lowe's book to read? 

This book was provided by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a review.

Book Review: Craig and Amy Groeschel's From this Day Forward

Maybe the book, Real Marriage, inspired this. I don't recommend Driscoll's, but I would say this one is at least stronger and worth reading over that one. This one is helpful if you didn't take a premarital counseling course before marriage or you're not married yet. Otherwise, you might have heard these same, and GREAT principles to include in your marriage in counseling, or learned the hard way.

Summary: Whether you're planning on marrying, or you're already married it's never too late to plan to fail-proof your marriage. These practical commitments can easily be managed into what are already busy lives. Craig Groeschel tries to be understanding to all circumstances as well, no matter what trial your marriage might be going through. He even uses his own personal circumstances to add insight to the book, and experience he knows about.

I want to start with the positive, and that is regardless of who you are, these are good things to know for your marriage, and no matter how serious the problem you're encountering the advice offered can be incorporated into whatever the circumstance.

Also, the couple is honest, and they don't hide that marriage has moments that need to be worked through, and they use their own experience to share how they've learned and incorporated their own advice into their life. These are great elements to include, and they do make the book seem realer.

Now for some things that kept me about halfway back from fully delving into the book, and becoming excited about what they were saying. The advice is general. That works great to reach to a broad audience, but imagine you are in a serious situation with your spouse right now, maybe you've just lost a child, someone has committed adultery, or even the fact that your spouse is abusive or neglectful in some way. It's difficult to touch on these issues, which he tries, but it can seem not involved and a bit dangerous to offer advice through a book on such serious topic issues that need to be addressed in counseling at least. A spouse shouldn't be seeking a book on how to deal with those issues.

I also assume with most books and marketing there is a target audience behind who will buy the book. I could be wrong, but I think most of us can assume the base of the audience will be females, and then from there perhaps Christian females, their race, and the age group. My main point is we know mainly females will buy this book, and that is okay. My point is why does Amy have such a little part in the back of each chapter when the main audience will be females?  I felt as a female, a lot of stereotypes were being applied to men and women, and there was no deeper understanding to either. I understand that most these personality traits and faults can be attributed to the majority of the people, including me, but do females have to be so predictably nagging and insecure? Do men have to be predictably shallow and dense?

I want to repeat that I do think the advice offered is sound at least. They are true ways to build your marriage and practice your relationship. They are obviously talking to one side of the relationship though, most likely a woman. I guess the only way to sum up the book, I didn't walk away feeling inspired to be better as me, or in my marriage, but more so reminded of what I need to continue to do in my marriage. Don't get me wrong, it's great to be reminded, but I like a bit more depth.  Would it be worth some people to buy? If it helps, it helps you, and that makes it worth it. For me, I've come across what this book was saying before, particularly premarital counseling, which was great to go into marriage with the knowledge of. If it's knowledge you've been missing, then by any means pick it up.

This book was provided by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a review.

Book Review: Philip Yancey's Vanishing Grace

Vanishing Grace is an ambitious book. Yancey admits before beginning to read, this book was intended to be four books, but he decided to mesh them in one. With so many ideas the book can get lost. What type of grace is he speaking about? And to who? Is it grace toward non-Christians? Grace toward evangelicals? A strong beginning and a strong ending keep the book together despite a difficult to read middle part of the book.

Summary: Why does the world, particularly America in this case, have a negative response to Christians? This is one of many questions that Yancey proposes. From there flows a variety of thoughts and beliefs on what has caused the riff and dramatic changes in perception the public has about people who identify with the faith. Yancey showcases what view points and approaches have contributed to this view, and he also wants to provide examples of evangelicals to make us think differently about people who identify with Christianity. Particularly, if they classify themselves as evangelicals.

Billy Frank Alexander Design at Free Images

Grace can be hard concept to process. For an idea so acted out by Christ, humans struggle with the idea. With Christians feeling like there isn't much grace to them as well, it's caused a lot of building tensions stirring a feeling of "us against them" mentality. I can't say that Yancey's book doesn't continue to reassure Christians with that mindset of having that mindset though. He tackles many types of feelings and scenarios that by the end of the this book I was confused of what I thought about it.

Is this book for evangelicals? For some of the book he takes how politics have destroyed much the idea of what evangelicals are doing, and that there are a lot who classify with that ideology who are doing good. I agree with this. The book turns into something different from sharing grace with the world to sharing it toward evangelicals.

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The book then slips back again into why people might perceive evangelicals as negative, which makes more sense with the original direction of the book. In the act of trying to justify that evangelicals are doing a lot of good, it seems like other people of other beliefs are being thrown off on. Yancey clarifies in a footnote this isn't what he intends, he acknowledges that atheists can contribute to showing grace, but it's so jumbled and uses so many quotes from so many sources it's hard to know why then he keeps using things that undermine other belief systems contributing to bettering the world, or lives around them. I mentioned this to my husband, and he said you probably don't hear about as many atheists, or even other beliefs working in a soup kitchen because they don't advertise like a Christian would. Not that it's bad a Christian would, it makes sense as we are working for Christ, but why would you clarify your beliefs in a soup kitchen otherwise?

I think Yancey is very honest in how he thinks and feels about his faith, but he uses so many quotes and examples in this book that it's difficult to know what the point is he is ultimately trying to make. While I highly admire and find it commendable those are who are working to help those in atrocities and heinous crimes in other countries and this one, like trafficking, persecution, hunger, and homelessness, I wouldn't want anyone to feel what they are doing is less worthy in their environment  at the workplace and at home by paying their employees well, providing equal pay and advancement, listening to their children, being attentive to their spouses, or even just holding a door for a stranger in public. Sometimes the smallest thing is where grace is shown and change begins. Treating people gracefully humane is just that in many scenarios. I acknowledge I can do more though, and I want to.

This book is a very deep read and not a light one. You won't be zooming through it to get to the end. There are moments where Yancey shows his brilliance in this book, and if you're a fan of Yancey then you will enjoy. He is very outside aware and self aware, and I think this leads to many thoughts that will read as if you're in his head. This will sometimes lead his own passions and personal lifestyle choices to spill out a bit heavier than needed for this book. The insight of the book is appreciated and thoughtful, but a bit difficult to divulge.

This book was provided by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a review.

Book Review: Ron Hall and Denver Moore's Same Kind of Different As Me

If you've been watching the news you might have noticed there is a lot of racial issues taking front and center of our attention right now. Same Kind of Different As Me seemed like a suiting book to pick up to explore this issue from other perspectives including, Denver Moore who grew up after slavery was banished but still in the struggles of being black in the south, and Ron Hall who grew up in a culture that was comfortably racist.

Summary: Denver Moore was raised on a southern style Plantation, and while slavery wasn't legal, his living was very much reminiscent of the time when it was. Kept from getting an education and raised only to work on the plantations he didn't have much awareness of a life outside of that until he ran away to the west coast. Ron was an art dealer who dealt with businessmen and the rich, but when his wife, Deborah, feels called to begin serving the homeless he begins to help his wife with her endeavors. This leads to two very different people crossing paths and forming an unexpected friendship that would serve through the good and bad.

It's hard to imagine that up through the 60's and even a bit beyond, people's existence still consisted of being manipulated and doing work that still put them in the bonds of slavery. The same still happens nowadays, but that is another discussion. Denver Moore though didn't have anything to run away to when he did run to California.

Ron Hall was also in a difficult situation. With his marriage still in recovery from a betrayal he committed, he did want to take the steps to improve as a partner to his wife. It's hard to believe all the little pieces of bad that would live up to a meeting that both people would need and find in their life.

I couldn't help but think though at first reading this book, "what would I think of this book if I was a different race?" Some might say that answer could easily be answered by Denver. I'm not sure he ever acknowledges seeing his life on the plantation as the same tragedy as Ron did, which is interesting. I'm sure Denver doesn't condone that lifestyle he was forced in, but also Ron seemed to take it a lot more tragically.

I also couldn't help but gather this undertone of Denver being played up to be this persona that just didn't feel real. Ron is this guy who has made deep mistakes, has a wife suffering from cancer,and hasn't ever taken time out to really step away from the lavish lifestyle he has created. Denver and Ron both learn from each other, but I couldn't help there was something very cut out and cardboard about Denver. He is a real person, but from the book I just wasn't feeling that. Also, I understand that accenting a character's language gives them more personality,like in Denver's case, but Ron is from Texas, so why wasn't his writing also abbreviated and accented to represent the tone we imagine him speaking in?

The other gigantic glaring issues with the book, that I almost forgot because it's only a couple of paragraphs. Near the beginning Ron is outed having an affair. His wife of course is upset, and while I do see her response as very humble, I felt it was also oddly sad. Deborah call Ron's mistress, and apologizes to her and says that it's her fault for not being a good wife that he cheated with her. She indicates she will be a better wife in the future so he feels he doesn't have to do this. I understand this maybe didn't take the weight of Ron in his guilt of what he did, but what if Ron had been a different man and took advantage of this response? Did Deborah truly felt the mistress had no responsibility in this? I'm not saying it was a bad response, but one I think should have at least been kept private without being vocalized in the book.

I don't know if this book has much appeal outside of a person who is white reading it, and learning that as whites we shouldn't make generalizations and judgments about someone without knowing their background. I'm not really sure what another race would get out of this book except you can be friends with whites? It's a sweet story though and it will make you tear up. It doesn't hide the harsh reality of faith, and that it doesn't conceal you from tragedies, but I walked away not knowing quite what to learn from it. Perhaps, it's for an older audience and not as much the younger generations who are now looking at the same and different issues within a culture that is still broken.

This book was provided by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a review.
The photos are from freeimages.com.