Sep 16, 2010

The King's Christmas List

I just finished reading  The King's Christmas List.  It is a Christmas story aimed at children to teach them how to give.  While the premise of the story was great, the story was lacking interest and anything exciting.  I think most children will find it boring and it won't keep their attention.  

It begins with a girl and her dog, and suddenly, her dog can talk.  They are taken away to attend the king's birthday party and on their way they meet strangers.  Once they arrive at the king's party, the king then explains to them the true meaning of giving gifts to the king. So, I'm not even sure what the title has to do with the story. 

The illustrations were just OK.  I think the children will not understand the story by just looking at the pictures and I think the story was dull, dry and boring.  I was hoping that this would be a great book to spur children on in kindness and help them to realize the blessing in giving to others.  At the end of the book they offer some opportunities to help others through various organizations.  I can honestly only give this book 2 1/2 to 3 stars, which is a disappointment to me because I was hoping it would be so much better. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”*

Sep 10, 2010

Max Doesn't Disappoint: Book Review of Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Max Lucado’s latest book, Outlive Your Life, is another great book by Max that shows once again, why he is a leading Christian author. In this book, he challenges the readers to “outlive” their lives by doing works of service to the poor and needy all while giving God the glory. He challenges believers to live like the first church did in the book of Acts, by giving of themselves and helping the less fortunate. He makes some great points about how far the divide is between the rich and the poor in this world, and he encourages people to make a difference, even if they can only do a little. In his signature storytelling style, Lucado shines a light on the needs of this hurting world.

This is another Lucado classic that does not disappoint. It is different from some of his other books because it is a challenge and a call to do what is right and to show the world the tangible love of Jesus. I found it challenging but not in a condemning way. He doesn’t make you feel bad for not helping, but shows you how just doing something can make a world of difference in the life of someone less fortunate.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”*

Sep 7, 2010

Do you think your life matters?

Do you think your life matters? Do your actions have any eternal effects? Those questions are answered in The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews. Andrews takes the reader through history and shows how one person’s decisions can affect us all.

This book was very motivational and inspirational. It can be read in one sitting, but what it says will have you thinking about your life for days and months to come. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It is a perfect gift for a family member, a graduate, a student, a teacher or anyone for that matter. It is a timeless message that will have an impact on a reader of any age.

*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.”*