Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Big Talk form Small Talk

Sometimes we move through life at such break-neck speed that we never take time to reflect on the conversations and day to day events which surround our lives.  In her book,  Small Talk: Learning From My Children About What Matters Most, Amy Julia Becker recounts stories from her day to day life with her children.  The stories are fun to read, but what makes this book different and a more powerful book is the fact that Becker has reflected on these experiences and has incorporated some spiritual truths into this book.

I really appreciated this quote from Becker, "For a long time, I though my children were a distraction from the work God was doing in my life and in the world around me. I am starting to realize they are the work God is doing in my life."

How true is that for many parents.  While we don’t actively think that way, that is often the thought behind our thinking.  Until we realize our kids are a blessing from God and if we are willing this helps us grow as the people God calls us to be.  She easily shares the spiritual truths she has learned.  She does not act like she knows it all, instead she helps the reader to see the way she processes the different experiences she has. 

Small Talk had more spiritual depth and thoughtfulness than I expected.  Her thoughts and reflections are not just for all people who struggle with how to relate to God in their lives.

I received this book from booklook bloggers in exchange for an impartial review.

Super Fun and Educational

Draw-A-Saurus by James Silvani is such a fun and exciting book.  It's not one of those typical "how to" draw books.  There is humor and fun on every page.  There's an educational dynamic as well as the fun element.  For any youngster, or even adult who wants to learn how to draw dinosaurs, this book is definitely for you. 

Each chapter goes into detail on how to draw one specific type of dinosaur (there are too many to list, but all the famous ones are there for you to imagine and draw).   Silvani also shows and explains a variety of other dinosaurs that share similar characteristics.  Draw-A-Saurus includes instructions for drawing dinosaurs who lived in every area, land, water and air.

Silvani also gives tips and tricks on how to draw dinosaurs from various angles, this helps make the book more than just a basic "how to" draw book.  It's really somewhat advanced, yet simple enough for anyone to start drawing.  He adds feathers and scales and gills to help make that creature look real.  He shows how to adapt your creature so that it would look like a cartoon, or how to make a baby dinosaur, even adding the environment to make your picture look realistic.

He adds specific details about the dinosaurs which makes the book educational and fun at the same time.  This is a great resource for drawing and I know young kids and maybe even adults will love this book. 


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through the Blogging for Books book review bloggers program.

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Tuesday, December 09, 2014

Powerful and Moving Story

This was such a powerful story!  In his book, My Best Friends Funeral: A Memoir, Roger Thompson has a deeply moving story about his friendship with his best friend Tim.  He writes about the time they spent together and the meaning of their relationship.  The were best friends as they grew up, eventually going into business together.

The book begins with Roger preparing to speak at Tim’s funeral.  He reflects on the life lessons he learned from his friend.  This book is filled with stories, funny, sad and most of all, stories which help us to reflect upon our lives and relationships. 

This book will move you.  Be prepared. 

I received this book from booklookbloggers reading program.  In exchange for this book, I am providing an honest and unbiased review.

The Patmos Deception

I have not read books from Davis Bunn in the past, and hope to read more of his books in the future.  I’m not sure what genre, The Patmos Deception should really be considered.  It’s not a romantic thriller.  There’s not much romance, which is fine by me.  It’s not a super mystery / suspense novel.  It’s probably more of a mild thriller book.  This does not take away from the story of the book.

As I read other reviews, I believe there is not a great deal of build up throughout the book.  At times it moves slowly.  But unlike other books, there is a level of continual movement in the book which leads you to keep on reading.  I do believe Bunn is very good at helping me to feel part of the environment on the book.  He leads you to experience with the characters are experiencing.  The book kept me interested and ended in an unexpected manner than what I was expecting which makes for a fun read and discussion afterwards with others who have read the book.

Overall, I was pleased with the book, slow at times, but it never lost momentum.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Fun Kids Devotional

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