When Is It Right to Die? A Comforting and Surprising Look at Death and Dying By Joni Eareckson Tada

When Is It Right to Die? A Comforting and Surprising Look at Death and Dying

By Joni Eareckson Tada
Published by Zondervan

Joni Eareckson Tada, paralyzed after a diving accident when she was young, is well qualified to write a book on death and dying.  Creator of the Beyond Suffering Bible, and other motivational and spiritual empowering books, she is able to directly speak to those whose grief and suffering is the heaviest.  This new look takes a good comforting look at the issue of death, grief and suffering- something that is common but not often talked about.  Those enduring terminal illness and touched by death do not have to feel isolated, when receiving words of comfort showing they are not alone and answering tough questions that most others would be judgmental and critical about.  There are many people who can benefit from this book- more than are modern day society and culture would like to admit.  This book represents the reality that is buried in social circles and popular media which glorifies youth, beauty and materialism.  A book like this needed to be written.  This book offers solid comfort and the assurance that this life isn't all there is and that there is hope beyond suffering, illness and death.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Zondervan for the purpose of writing this review.

Trade Your Cares for Calm

By Max Lucado
Published by Thomas Nelson  is a new small sized gift book featuring selected excerpts from Lucado's works along side beautiful landscape and mountain photography.  This simple to read book can be read cover to cover or by topic.  Journaling space allows the reader to gather his or her thoughts.  While the space isn't sufficient for lengthy journaling, the prompts can be used to start your own journal.  This is the perfect book to read if you have little time to squeeze for daily inspiration.  Unlike Max Lucado's chapter books, this book is a great introduction to Lucado's inspirational style for those unable to read a full sized book.  For those experiencing the stress and crisis, the short passages are perfect for offering quick comfort and an eternal perspective.  While the mountain scenery theme is beautiful, I would have also liked to seen cityscapes and other scenery that might be more relevant or relatable to more readers.  As a blogger for Booklook I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review. 

Hope for Each Day Large Deluxe By Billy Graham

Hope for Each Day Large Deluxe By Billy Graham, with its beautiful flexible leatherette cover, and printed patterned end pages will make the perfect special gift for a loved one or even yourself.  Bill Graham is a well known inspirational speaker and writer, respected by many generations and well known public personalities alike.  This devotional book offers simplified, brief devotionals for each day- perfect for those who need quick inspiration and spiritual fuel.  Compiled from previous speeches and works, this compendium addresses topics that effect everyone throughout daily life; daily stresses as well as grief and loss.  Unlike other devotional books, this one is gender neutral, and not specifically marketed for only women or men.  In general readers of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and genders will appreciate the words of this book.  The large font is not only easy to read- but the large size of this book will be a constant reminder to set aside some quiet time each day to read and to become inspired.  For those not familiar with Billy Graham, this book serves as a perfect introduction to  his inspiring words.  As a blogger for Booklook I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

The Color Index

Color Index XL: More than 1,100 New Palettes with CMYK and RGB Formulas for Designers and Artists by Jim Krause is a reference book, perfect for any professional who works with coordinating color schemed.  This catalog of coordinating colors features every imaginable color including muted colors and bright colors. This is not an art book- and for the casual lay reader, the pages will look like monotonous page after page of color schemes.  For the trained artist, this is a useful tool to  determine which colors will best suit the job.  This is a niche book, relevant for professionals.  I feel a casual  artist or hobbyist may find this book too overwhelming or not as useful.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

God Bless My Family By Hannah C. Hall and Steve Whitlow Published by Thomas Nelson

God Bless My Family By Hannah C. Hall and Steve Whitlow  Published by Thomas Nelson  is a beautifully illustrated board book that children will love to have read to them.  The book features bold, bright art alongside a simple and entertaining story about a dog family.  This is a wonderful way to integrate faith in God into a bedtime story routine.  This is a story that can be read and re-read.  The board book is sturdy and will hold up to wear and tear being handled by young little hands.  This would make a great stocking stuffer gift as Christmas nears, or a great gift any time of the year.  As a blogger for Booklook I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

Unapologetic Bible NKJV

NKJV, Unapologetic Study Bible, Hardcover

By Emmanuel Foundation
Published by Thomas Nelson

This new bible, featuring the New King James Version, features easy to read font as well as relevant topics addressing important social, political and theological issues.  Throughout the bible text are several relevant articles, thoroughly researched to suit the needs of laymen as well as bible students.  Everything from suicide to taxes are addressed.  Unlike traditional apologetic bibles and articles, the articles feature relevant modern issues as they relate to the field of apologetics.  These articles will appeal to a wide range of readers no matter where they are with their bible background.  Skeptics as well as Christians will appreciate the arguments and scholarly research of the selected articles.  Color coded graphics not only add visual appeal but also help the reader to navigate the topics addressed.  The bible is durable and will stand up to years of use. As a blogger I received a copy of this bible for the purpose of writing this review.  For those readers who want to brush up on apologetics for their own knowledge or in response to debates with others, this is a great resource.  The only thing is that I would like to see this bible available in the NIV translation in the future as the NIV will appeal to even more bible readers. 

NIV Thinline bible, comfort print

This new NIV thinline bible is bound in beautiful flexible bonded leather, silver gilded paper edges and thumb indexed.  This is a standard bible, featuring the full text of the NIV.  No additional features: no maps, no concordance and no articles- is what keeps this bible thin and easy to carry while maintaining a readable font.  The font is a newly created comfort print.  It does make this bible easier to read.  When you look carefully at the font style, it appears to be a modern designed font, not a traditional font like New Times Roman.  If you are looking for a basic, but well designed leather bible, this is a good choice.  This bible comes thumb indexed.  I didn't find this feature too useful as each thumb indexed page features 4 different books, so it still takes a bit of flipping to find the book you are actually looking for.  This is a good everyday bible, as it is lightweight and easy to read in bed or on the go.  As a blogger for booklook I received a copy of this bible for the purpose of writing this review.

Pass it On : A Proverbs Journal for the Next Generation by Champ Thorton

Pass it On : A Proverbs Journal for the Next Generation by Champ Thorton is a brand new book that guides the reader  to reflect and journal their way through the book of Proverbs.  The Proverbs are often overlooked, but are a source of much wisdom.  A treasure of wisdom and insight is to be found in this Old Testament book.  Thorton guides the reader through each and every chapter of proverbs, providing the actual bible text of the Proverbs in its entirety as well as questions and insight to encourage readers to reflect on the message read.  Journaling space is provided the answer reflective questions, notable verses as well as free space for general thoughts, ideas and personal reflection.  After completing this book, the reader will have read the entire book of proverbs as well as completed a bible study and journal entries.  The idea of this book is to complete it and offer it as a gift to a child, grandchild or any other special person in your life.  This completed book is certain to become a treasured keepsake.  The book is beautifully bound with a flexible leatherette cover, as well as sturdy thick pages.  I's like to see the author do a series of these books on other bible books as well, especially Job.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by new Growth press for the purpose of writing this review.

The Build by Paul Teutul Jr

The Build by  Paul Teutul, is a must have for any fan of the TV series, American Chopper.
Author Paul Teutul, Jr. from the TV series American Chopper, builds   custom "chopper" styled motorcycles.  This book gives the reader, the behind the scenes back story of the popular series as well as insights into the author's own life as well as insights into the father Son relationship which also makes up much of the storyline in the TV show.  Even those who are not into motorcycles will find insight and inspiration from Paul Teutul Jr's life story.  Not only is this a story about mortorcycles as a hobby and lifestyle, it is also a book about relationships, family as well as finding one's niche or purpose in life. It is ironic, that from watching the TV show, this is the least likely TV character that one would expect to see an inspiring book with a message to all readers about perseverance, family and faith.  This is what makes this book an effective outreach to reach all those readers out there who feel they are beyond the reach of a life changing experience.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Crown Publishing book for the purpose of writing this review.  This book would make a great book for any motorcycle enthusiast or fan of the TV show as well as anyone else who needs inspiration.

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.