The Final Summit, Andy Andrews

This was a terrible book. I was bored from beginning to end. Andy Andrews attempts to voice his self-help steps through the mouths of historical figures, which just doesn’t work. The characters were one-dimensional and stupid. By stupid I mean really lacking in intelligence – although each offered their own (unoriginal) pearls of wisdom, these great historical figures seemed to be really clueless and I found myself rolling my eyes every time they had an “a-ha!”moment. The narrative was slow and basically extended dialogue between the characters. The long and unnecessary explanations made me feel like the author assumed an extremely idiotic audience. Andrews’ attempts to insert humor into the narrative fell flat every time. The only interesting part of this book was the section on Eric Erickson, a relatively unknown but very intriguing figure from World War II. I would like to read more about his life. Other than that, this book was a waste of my time. It was neither inspiring nor motivational. When the travelers finally arrive at the solution to the problem, the promised “one principle that will save humanity,” this solution is both unoriginal and just one more strand of secular humanism which has never, and will never, save humanity. For a better answer, I suggest looking more deeply into the life and writings of King David, who Andrews grossly misrepresents in his book. David found his strength and hope in something outside of himself – this too is where humanity needs to look to find its salvation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Voices of the Faithful, Beth Moore

Before this book, all I knew of Beth Moore was that she was an inspirational speaker for women, and that she's written some Bible studies. Although I haven't really read any of her works before now, I respect her as a Christian author because I know people who have benefited from her material. This book made me like her even more.

Voices of the Faithful is a daily devotional that invites readers to experience life through the eyes of various cross-cultural missionaries. Each day is a different person and place, and we read different trials, victories, mountain-top experiences, and scenes from everyday life from people who have chosen to live in another culture in order to bring the love of Jesus to another people. As I generally believe that the church needs to know more about those serving the Lord in other places (so that we may better support and pray for them, and thus partner in what God is doing around the world), I think this is a great book. I loved the introduction by Beth Moore, which explains her reasons for writing this book and her passion for missions. She sums it up this way, “Whether we’re called to pray, to give, to go on short-term mission trips or two-year mission stints, or to surrender entirely to career missions, we’re all called to the nations. For God so loved the world. Your tenure on this earth will be incomplete without engaging with God across the globe. Find out what on the earth God is doing in your generation… and join Him.” (p. xviii) I couldn’t agree more, Beth Moore. Couldn’t agree more.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”