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.”

The Hole in Our Gospel, Richard Stearns

This is an eye-opening, challenging, and convicting book. Richard Stearns presents the facts well, with both compassion and humility, as he exorts Christians, individually and corporately, to do something about global poverty. If you want to remain blissfully unaware of the urgent needs of people around the world (as I did for a long time, which is why this book sat on my shelf for a year before I actually opened it), don't read this book. If you want your eyes open to the reality of the world outside of the West, read this book prayerfully and ask yourself what God might have you do to make a difference.

As I read this book, I was continually struck by Richard Stearn's humility and genuine love for the Lord and the people of this world. This book is not meant to guilt people into action, but to make us aware of the problems and needs of our time, so that we may consider what God would ask us to do with the gifts and resources He has given us.

One of the most convicting quotes of this book for me:
"Poverty is not our fault in the sense that most of us have not actively and intentionally endeavored to perpetuate poverty or oppress the poor. We are, though, complicit in sustaining poverty through our apathy and our unwitting support of systems that do oppress the poor. When we purchase clothing manufactured in a sweatshop by child laborers or buy coffee from a system that fails to appropriately reward the hardworking farmers who grow and harvest the coffee, we become part of the systems that perpetuate exploitation and poverty. In that sense our sins, with regard to the poor, are more the sins of omission than commission." (p. 295)

On Becoming Baby Wise, Gary Ezzo

Another sleep book, a few more good principles to follow. This one advocates a schedule pretty much from birth, which I'm not sure I agree with... and we missed the ball with William. But, I did implement the general "sleep, eat, play, repeat" recommendation, which so far seems to be working and does give more order and structure to the day. William and I are both benefiting. :)

Real Food: What to Eat and Why, Nina Planck

Not very well written, but made me think more critically about what I eat - in particular, I've started looking more at the ingredient list (instead of just the Nutrition Facts) for natural ingredients. We already eat a lot of whole/fresh foods, so she didn't have to convince me on that... However, she is definitely a "purist" when it comes to food, and my main question is, how much of this is really doable for my family on our current budget? Sure, grass-fed beef sounds nice, but do I really want to spend the time and money to get it? And we definitely can't afford raw whole milk at $14 a gallon... Anyway, it's given me a lot to think about. Along the same theme, I'm really enjoying watching "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution." ABC.com - check it out! :)

Stones into Schools, Greg Mortenson

Awesome. Read this book.

Same Kind of Different as Me, Ron Hall

Very touching (and true!) story. Themes include racism, homelessness, reconciliation, grief, and radical transformation. Gave me lots to think about, and I appreciate that the author doesn't just give trite answers to questions about grief and suffering.