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.

The Grace Effect by Larry Alex Taunton

First of all, I thought it was a great book and I loved reading Sascha's story. I was drawn into the emotions of what it must have been like to go through the frustrations of dealing with such a corrupt country. I appreciated the history provided to better understand where Russia and the Ukraine are coming from and it truly is a sad story. I though Mr. Taunton did a great job showing us how grace can change people. At some points I was having trouble connecting the two but separately I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the interaction between him and Christopher Hitchens as well as the viewpoints of other atheists around the world. I think this story is well worth the read.

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

Adrift by Steven Callahan

Great book. I love sailing and being on the water and identified with his love. The difference is he set out to sail always! I felt like I was set adrift with Steven Callahan! Find out how Callahan survives, his fears, and if he ever returns to sailing. For those that like inventions, Callahan gives detailed descriptions of how he makes items that help him survive. But they are set in the story in such a way that, if you are only reading for the adventure, the details are easy to skip. Although you may not want to and learn something in the process... never know when you'll need to survive!

Son of Hamas

Son of Hamas is a gripping account of terror, betrayal, political intrigue, and unthinkable choices. Anyone who is interested in or studying Islam or the Middle East and it's conflicts should read Mosab Hassan Yousef's real-life account.