The Bible 30-Day Experience: Daily Guidebook
by Bob Hostetler

My rating on a 100-point scale: 82

My thoughts:
   I didn't study this in a small group or with the dvds, but I still learned from this book. It's set up well and is very clear on what it teaches.

I recommend this book to:
   Christians, whether you're studying the good book alone or with a partner or small group.

This book has no restricting content.

One for Christians

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
by Francis Chan

My rating on a 100-point scale: 87

My short and sweet review:  

   This book is well-written and inspiring. Though at one point the author's crazy does show through a little, the ideologies are pretty clearly stated in the Bible, just pushed home a little harder here. I highly recommend to everyone who calls themselves Christian and anyone who aspires to be called a true follower of Christ. In my opinion, every Christian should read this book. 

How I came upon this book: 

   My husband had a copy on our bookshelf from a class in church he attended once. He mentioned selling it, but I asked to read it before he did so. 

A very short excerpt: 

   "I believe that much of the American church-going population, while not specifically swimming downstream, is slowly floating away from Christ. It isn't a conscious choice, but it is nonetheless happening because little in their lives propels them toward Christ." - from page 95.

 

Additional info and thoughts:

   This novel is meant to challenge Christians to give more of themselves to Christ. The author points out verses and legitimate reasons why followers of Christ should give all the glory to God, and I personally found it uplifting and inspiring, for the most part. 

   I especially liked the idea of the chapter devoted to those who've devoted their lives to living like Christ. 

   

This novel has no restricting content.

   

A Catholic-Themed Novel, Synopsis, and Interview with the Author

Sprainter by JT Therrien

My rating on a 100 point scale: 93

My thoughts: 

   I really liked this novel. It held my attention from beginning until end and ended up being a real quick read, ending too soon. There are a few things that could have been fixed, but from here on out, if a novel has less than ten total technical errors, I choose not to mention them in my reviews, as is the case in this novel. There simply isn’t enough to complain about. And the complexity of this novel and the enjoyment I got reading it totally makes up for whatever I could find to complain about it. I highly recommend for anyone and everyone who likes a good read.

My synopsis:

   A spray painter named MrE spreads God’s Word and revolutionary propaganda through illegal vandalism in a city purposely isolated by its government from the rest of the world. One routine night, a girl named OZone appears out of nowhere to admire his artwork, alarming the cops to his presence with her voice. She helps him escape being arrested and he takes her back to his hangout, a church where anyone can stay as long as they remain chaste, attend Mass, and bring food back with them whenever they’re out. MrE can’t help but wonder where OZone came from and who she is, and she seems to be incapable of telling the truth, but he has no choice but to trust her and let her stay. 

My interview with JT Therrien, author of The Well and Sprainter:  

   What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Are there any people who are extra special to you as a writer or as a person that you would like to tell us a little bit about?
   Um… I don’t understand the question. What do I do when I'm not writing? Lol… Well, I love to bike! In Southern Ontario, we have a great system of recreational trails, so I'm on there whenever it's not raining… or snowing. I'm married to a perfect woman who also happens to be a librarian, so we have a common love of books that keeps us together. Oh, and we also have a son.

One for Religion

Image via americanvision.org

                                        
Forged by Bart D. Ehrman

My rating on a 100-point scale: 90

     Forged is a religious text concerning canonical and non-canonical books of the popular Holy Bible. This book is very informational and interesting whether one labels himself as Christian, Agnostic, or Gnostic, or nothing at all. I highly suggest this book to any reader who has religious concerns.

     As a writer, I found some imaginative stories that are not so much heard of today, and also learned a lot about the stories found in the Bible. The major focuses are the writings found in and outside the common Biblical canon of today, especially those thought to be or claimed to be written by Jesus' apostles. The author covers many scholarly debates concerning the biblical texts discussed, and the facts surrounding the writings of these letters and books. I learned a lot about Christian Gnosticism and especially forgery, the main point of discussion in this well-thought novel.

     If you have any questions for me regarding this text, please comment or email me and I would be glad to help if possible.

This book is fine for all ages. No restricting content.