My Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

This book is surprising in many ways. I think the quote on the cover of the book (my version of the book anyway) "Think Monty Python meets C.S. Lewis" (Relevant Magazine) is quite accurate. There were many times I was laughing hysterically in the book and other times I had tears coming down my face. I also don't think I have seen the name "Jesus" written so many times in one book.

Those are my initial reactions to the book but the heart of the book is fantastic. I think Mr. Mikalatos gets his point across in a humorous yet powerful way. The ridiculousness of all the different Jesuses really made a point to me and I can see how most of us create our own image of who He is in some way or another. It definitely made me think about how we view Jesus and our life circumstances can change our viewpoint of who He is. Yet He is the unchanging one, we are the one who changes who we think He is based on our circumstances. I really enjoyed this book but you have to be able to handle humor and satire. If you can't, I could see how this may be an annoying book that you wouldn't get.

There is also a reading guide in the back and I thoroughly enjoyed the author's notes that go along with some of the questions. This is completely worth the read. I highly recommend this book.

I recieved this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my review.

If I Gained the World by Linda Nichols

This book was really sweet.  The picture makes it look like a dated book but it wasn't so don't go by the cover!  It did get a little slow in the middle but picked right back up again.  The main guy character really ticked me off for the longest time and so that made me root even harder for the girl.  The author does a good job of weaving characters together and giving a great description.

Great for a winter weekend by the fire or a summer beach read!

Viral by Leonard Sweet

I found this quite an interesting read. The book begins by pointing out the major differences between two cultures of Gutenberger's and Googler's. The generations have some major differences and should be addressed in light of how we share the Gospel and build relationships with others. I think he made some great points about how social media can be used to share the Gospel. I also think this is quite a timely book since social media isn't going away. It's growing and will continue to grow so I believe its beneficial to be knowledgeable about this Googler generation. I will say that certain chapters are drawn out and I felt like he kept repeating his point which caused me to skim certain chapters. All in all I thought it was a valuable read and would recommend it.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my review.

READING OLYMPICS BOOKS

Post the name of the book, 1-2 questions with answers, and your name.

This Thing of Ours by Cammy Franzese

This Thing of Ours is the story of Cammy Franzese and how her relationship with Michael Franzese began and the various struggles they endured throughout their life together. My husband has heard Michael speak at a church so I was already familiar with their story. She really got across the influence her mother had on her life. I appreciated the insight she gave and the faith and prayer life her mother displayed. I also thought the point she kept making about this was her choice and she must live with the consequences of her choice was a refreshing thought in a world where we often don't take responsibility and look for an easy way out. The legacy of her mother was truly inspiring and it really came across that it was the faithful prayers of her mother that allowed her to overcome.

I received this book free from booksneeze in exchange for my review

Wait No More

I enjoyed the account of this adoptive family and their journey through the foster-adopt program. This was well written and had me going through this journey with this family. I loved the stories of all 4 of their children and how different they were. I also liked the fact that they shared the frustrations and disappointments that are involved in having special needs children. I thought this was a great read especially if you are interested in fostering or adopting children. I learned a ton about the process as well as many thought provoking issues that come up with children who have suffered some type of abuse or neglect. Great read.

I received this book free from Tyndale publishers in exchange for my review.

As Silver Refined by Kay Arthur

This is Kay Arthur's re-release of her previously published "As Silver Refined" She does an excellent job showing us how our disappointments are really "His Appointments". I really appreciate her practical and realistic approach to life in light of who we are in Christ. She begins the book with a beautiful picture of the Refiner and how he tends his fire to make sure his silver is perfectly refined. I love that picture. Knowing that our Refiner is tending to us just right so that when He looks at us He sees His image.

I enjoyed the real life letters and examples she includes of lives that have been changed by the word of God. The examples didn't always include people who had whatever the disappointment was fixed. In fact, most of them included people who's worst nightmare came true but were walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and depended on God to get them through and recognized the sovereignty of God in it. There is much to learn in this book and am glad there is a study guide at the end. I think you could definitely spend a lot of time on each chapter to reflect on your own life and ask ourselves how well am I handling this disappointment?

I received this book free from blogging for books in exchange for my review.