Be the Gift

By Ann Voskamp
Published by Zondervan

The new book, Be the Gift by Ann Voskamp, is the perfect book for pastors and church leaders to distribute to parishners and church goers to encourage generosity and giving.  This beautiful hardcover book is filled with serene picturesque photographs of nature and scenes of cozy upper middleclass life, and idealistic bountiful family gatherings, complete with unique ideas for gift giving and acts of generosity.  For any pinterist fan and for those who have love to host get togethers and meals, this book will encourage people with means to think out of the box in order to encourage gift giving to those around them.  The gift tags included in the book reinforce the book's purpose- to encourage gift giving and generosity of those with resources and time to spare.   It is my opinion that the target audience of this book is for the upperclass socioeconomic class.  Glimpses of traditional families, complete with their comfortable, quality clothing, and well decorated, quaint cottage homes, and complete meals that look like recipes from an upscale cookbook, will appeal most to those readers who are more affluent.  Nevertheless, any reader will be able to glean some gift giving inspiration to show kindness to their neighbors and coworkers.  As a blogger for booklook I received this book for the purpose of writing this review. 

The Massacre of Mankind: Sequel to The War of the Worlds by Stephen Baxter

Most everyone has heard of the original War of the Worlds by HG wells, even if they have not read it.  It is one of those classics with a great storyline that stands the test of time, yet not everyone has ventured to read it.  The Massacre of Mankind: Sequel to The War of the Worlds by Stephen Baxter, is like part two, beginning where War of the Worlds leaves off.  It shows an interesting scenario of what happens after the book ends.  It is written by a contemporary author, Stephen Baxter, in the tradition of Wells.  This literary work is full of rich detail.  It is not a simple book that can be read quickly cover to cover.  Rather,  this expansive intellectual novel takes mental energy to follow along the storyline.   The vintage designed cover, as well as the story, takes the reader back to the 1920s- an alternate reality of a futuristic earth that exists in the past.  This book will stretch the imagination of the reader, for those who take the time to read it.  The authentic writing will transport you back into the past, as if reading the account as originally written by Wells.  The reader will be immersed into a world where a threat of invasion by aliens is very real; an alternate reality where futuristic technologies beyond what we can imagine, exists as far back as the 1920s.  For those who wonder what would society be like if an alien invasion was a reality, this book is for you.   This book takes dedication, stamina and perseverance to complete as interesting as it is.  Its not the typical fast paced novel. It is best for those readers, young and old alike, with advanced reading levels- not the typical adult who normally reads romance novels and crime novels from the racks at the check out in Walmart.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Crown publishers for the purpose of writing this review.  Dedicated fan of the original will certainly want to read it.

What We See in the STars

What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky by Kelsey Oseid is a hybrid between a graphic story and a gift book, about outerspace.  It is difficult to fit this book into a particular genre as it does not quite fit into the category of  an astronomy science book.  This book is filled with trivia facts and cartoon images of the constellations, planets as well as other astronomical bodies found in space.  It is written like a graphic novel- the graphics are somewhat abstract mostly in two tone color shades of blue with occasional spot color throughout.  This casual book presents the topic in an entertainment - trivia format.  Rather than a formal text like introduction to astronomy, this playful book focuses on the popular concept of astronomy- constellation as the focus, as well as the stories behind the constellations.  There is also brief coverage of the moon, as well as the planets, comets and other space facts.  Although the bold graphics may also appeal to younger readers, this book is intended for adults who simply want to broaden their knowledge of popular astronomy without getting into technical  scientific details  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Ten Speed Press for the purpose of writing this review.

A Crazy, Holy Grace: The Healing Power of Pain and Memory by Frederick Buechner

A Crazy, Holy Grace: The Healing Power of Pain and Memory by Frederick Buechner is a compilation of Essays that will help the reader get a better understanding of the purpose of memory and grief.  Drawing from his own experiences of grief, death and suicide, the author helps the reader look at grief and memory in a whole new light.  This complex book is something that requires time to digest and absorb.  The surreal message is both human and spiritually obtained at the same time.  Buechner puts into voice, a message that is relatable on a personal level but inspired by the Holy Spirit as well.  What looks like a relatively simple exercise of remembering and pondering the past , is capable of bringing about lifelong growth simply by paying more attention to the everyday world that surrounds us.  This book is like a psychological exercise that Buechner conducts to facilitate the healing process of complicated grief. He brings back his dead loved ones into a special, designated safe area and has the conversations within his mind that he was unable to have in life.  The work of grief and healing is accomplished through these fictitious mental conversations. The reader can follow this inward journey that takes incredible courage to share with the world. This book is a retreat into the mind of the author.  It is a spiritual and dreamlike journey. 

  This book is suitable for more experienced believers who wish to fine tune their faith as well as skeptics and agnostics who are seeking truth and meaning and healing. The author brings light to topics that are normally hidden and seen as taboo.  This book is a source of relief and comfort to all who take the time to read and reflect on its message.  If you take the time to read this book and think about the message, not only will you make a connection but you too may find the healing you seek.  This book was not what I expected, but I am glad I took the time to read it as it can be a life changer. As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Zondervan for the purpose of writing this review.

The Remarkable Ordinary: How to Stop, Look, and Listen to Life by Frederick Buechner

The Remarkable Ordinary: How to Stop, Look, and Listen to Life by Frederick Buechner is a compilation of Essays that will help the reader into getting more out of life by seeing everyday things with a more eternal perspective.  What looks like a relatively simple exercise, is capable of bringing about lifelong growth simply by paying more attention to the everyday world that surrounds us.  One does not need to travel to an exotic location or plan  an expensive  pilgrimage to the Holy Land to appreciate the inherent spirituality that exits all around you.  In fact Buechner argues that even greater spiritual growth can be reached when you look within and around your immediate surrounding.  Not exactly a book that needs to be read from cover to cover, this book contains several shorter length essays that take time and perseverance to digest.  Throughout, Buechner shares anecdotes from his own life to illustrate that even challenging life experiences and grief need not forfeit one's ability to appreciate the beauty and the wisdom that life has to offer.  This book is suitable for more experienced believers who wish to fine tune their faith as well as skeptics and agnostics who are seeking truth and meaning.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Zondervan for the purpose of writing this review.

Fliers: 20 Small Posters with Big Thoughts by Nathaniel Russell

Fliers: 20 Small Posters with Big Thoughts

by Nathaniel Russell is a unique gift book with a larger social message.  This unexpected book seems like an entertaining coffee table book, but within its pages is a brief commentary of the lack of purpose of life itself and modern society. 

I liked the idea of this book, although some of the posters were not really impressive.  The effect of this book was somewhat to mimic the effect of a quickly drawn poster.  There was little artistic value to these individual posters, but that was probably the point of the author- to capture the essence of a last minute haphazardly drawn poster.  This is a quality book with good reproductions of posters on strong card stock paper.  This makes them suitable for wall décor; although the content was not too impressive.  Overall I felt underwhelmed.  But perhaps that is the point of the author, to portray mediocrity and apathy that is so prevalent in this modern day.  This might be a good gift to decorate a college dorm room. As a blogger I received a copy of this book  for the purpose of writing this review. 

Jesus, I Need You Honest Prayers from a Trusting Heart By Zondervan

Jesus, I Need You Honest Prayers from a Trusting Heart

                 Jesus, I Need You Honest Prayers from a Trusting Heart By Zondervan  is a brand new devotional book  for those readers seeking inspiration and guidance for their days. Just as the title indicates, it is a humbling experience to have the wisdom to know that you need Jesus in your day to day life.  This book is organized by topic.  The table of contents is divided into topical prayer areas such as guidance, comfort, wisdom and heartache to enable thye reader to easily navigate the book depending ion need.  For those who need somewhere to turn immediately this is a helpful feature.

In this modern day of independence, and self sufficiency, where many  take pride in saying they have the strength to navigate life independent of God- this devotional book focuses on prayers that empower the reader to learn to rely more on Jesus.  Psalm 14:1 ¹The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Yet, how many actually take this scripture to heart? Not many.  It isn't weakness, nor foolishness that leads to dependence on God.  Quite the contrary, it is wisdom and strength and the wisdom of this world that gives the ever present message that Jesus is irrelevant or antiquated is actually foolishness and leads the way to eternal death.  Self sufficiency, hope and strength cannot be found apart from Jesus.  This book is a good starting point to reflect on these truths.  As a blogger for Booklook I received a copy of the book for the purpose of writing this review.