Devotions for Christmas

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms 

About - Christmas is full of hubbub that it is easy to lose the reason we celebrate with all the rush. Yet, from the ugly Christmas sweaters to the expectations of the new year, reminders of why we celebrate the season is all around us.Covering from December 1st to 31st, this devotions cleverly takes usual Christmas events and symbols to remind us of the reason for the season and deepen your relationship with God as we await for the birth of Jesus.

Publisher - Zondervan

Personal Opinion - This short devotional dedicated to the season of Christmas was a poignant read. Each day had a theme related to our usual experiences with Christmas, such as special meals, shopping, and ugly sweaters, and relating them back to the message and events of Jesus and his birth. While each read for the day was only a couple pages long, the message in them was short, sweet, to the point, and full of meaning. The book is so focused on its message there isn't even an attribution as to who the author is, focusing on the book itself and not who wrote it. If you are looking for a something to read that focuses back on Christmas, this one might be a good one to take a look at. Not only will it lead you up to Christmas Day, but to the end of December and a new beginning.

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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through BookLook.

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Chew on a good book today!

Finding Unauthorized Faith in Harry Potter

"Devotions from the
Wizarding World"

Bookworm's Ranking - 3.5 Worms

About - There has been much controversy concerning Harry Potter and the Christian faith. Now, Nicole L. Rivera, explores how the series can speak and support Christian truths. Focusing on each book, excerpts and verses are combined to explore Harry and his friends more deeply to understand how these adventures reveal Christianity and faith, one chapter at a time.

Author - Nicole L. Rivera

Publisher - Hickey's Books

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - When I first heard of this book, I was interested. I have read devotionals in the past the centered on a popular book but Harry Potter was unique because of the controversy concerning the series. Also, upon seeing the movies and currently reading the series, I can see where more can be taken from the books than just a great story but something deeper. And the author worked really had on it. Unfortunately, I did not find it that engaging. Sometimes the message was really quick or quoted the Bible verse associated with it more than discussing it and connecting it. Early on, some of the chapter seemed like a stretch to connect Christian scripture and the series (but, I do think the early books set up for the deeper stuff so that shouldn't be unexpected). I think this book could've had more editing as well. While I liked the book being broken up into the Harry Potter books and covering the messages in each one, the chapters could have been much more impactful and insightful if condensed together. While covering one of the books, I believe two chapters covered love that were the same kind of love. This made it almost over kill and would have made the message better had those two chapters been combined. Several times, I also became confused on what the author was trying to say. As an example, the message it seemed like she was saying that was should separate ourselves from people who don't believe what we do, yet I couldn't help but think that Jesus said to go and make disciples of all people, which means we would have to be around others who disagree with us. Lastly, but this is personal taste, I wasn't fond of the version of Bible she was using. The language was too modern and I felt lost some of the message. In the end, I could see someone who really likes Harry Potter and is a Christian interested in this book but not someone who has issues with the series.

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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the author.

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Very Good Lives

"The Fringe Benefits of Failure and
the Importance of Imagination"

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

 

About - In 2008, J. K. Rowling gave the commencement speech to Harvard graduates which is now reprinted in this book. In it, she tells them the importance of failing (and that they will) and how that can help you. With personal stories, she encourages them to face that failer as they also find success. Imagination will also see each person through those difficult times as they struggle to find their path. With accompanying art, the message of the speech comes alive on the page to pass along her advice to a whole new audience.

Author - J. K. Rowling

Publisher - Little, Brown and Company

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - This book reproduces J. K. Rowling's Harvard commencement speech in book form with all her advice, personal lessons learned, and words along with pictures to deepen the message. I liked the advice she gave and the pictures just added to the thoughts presented in the speech. Each page had a small section of the speech and, while it was written in order, the book reminded me of a table top book that you can pick up and just read a page from. I think the only thing that got to me about the book was how much it cost for it being so short and only having one of her speeches. I guess I wish it was longer. But, this book would make a nice graduation gift for high school or college students but can also be enjoyed by who ever picks it up.

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Other Reviews for this Author - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

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Ruby's Tale

"A True Rags to Riches Story"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

About - Ruby defies the stereotypes of pit bulls and shows the true nature of the breed. When adopted by her new home, she loves everyone she meets and goes on to host a radio show, perform in stage productions, and be a finalist in a Milk Bone competition. Her love abounds as she works as a service dog visiting others in nursing homes. Ruby might be a pit bull but she is not what someone would expect.

Author - Patrick Bettendorf

Publisher - Tasora Books

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - With charm, humor, and honesty, Ruby's Tale is full of wonderful tales and lessons on dogs and their abilities. It made me laugh at her antics, happy at the change of people, and furious at the behavior of some people to dogs. Through her adventures, Ruby defies her breed's stereotype and inspires her owner and fans though her exploits on stage, radio, and service work. Ruby's tale is not the only one to grace the pages but also that of her owner, other dogs, and the experiences around them. This, though, at times made me wonder why Ruby's story was chosen to tell over one of the other dogs in their life and seemed to derail from what the point of the book was. But this is becoming one of my new favorite books and would gladly share it with friends and family.

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Awards - Indi Excellence Winner
                Book of the Year Finalist

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Yawning at Tigers

"You Can't Tame God,

So Stop Trying"

Bookworm's Ranking - 5 Worms

About - We often talk about God's loving kindness, mercy, and companionship. Yet, in making God a buddy, we tend to bring God down to our own understanding, taming the tiger that He is. Beautiful and majestic yet capable of being ferocious and dangerous. With detailed sources from the Bible as well as scholars, Drew Dyck takes readers though an adventure of seeing both sides of this loving yet dangerous God that we call Abba, follow, and love.

Author - Drew Nathan Dyck

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 17 and up

Personal Opinion - The premise of this book, that we shrink God down to a size we understand thus remove his awesomeness, hit home because it is something not only have I done but have seen in similar instances that Dyck cited. I loved how he used personal and media stories to introduce the topic of each chapter, bring it home, and the quotes he used to support his points. I also love that, despite this book is about not shrinking God to being your best bud but also seeing his wonder and power, it was not fire and brimstone either but brought back to the contradiction, near and fare, merciful but just, loving and wrathful, He has always been. This book was true to life and made me think of God in a new way but not contradictory to my faith. Instead, renewed the view of him. One thing I wish this book had done more was give ideas of how to renew that image and relationship with God. It mostly brought an awareness of what was happening but maybe that is a good start to changing how we approach and treat our Lord.

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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through BookLook.com.

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Unglued

"Making Wise Choices

In the Midst of Raw Emotions."

(Picture to Come)

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Abou - Ever blow up when stressed or angry? Stuff everything down so deep that no one knows what's worng yet it affects your relationships? Ever feel guilty for these things and your angry feelings? Lysa TerKeurst has felt the same way but is also learning how to make "imperfect progress" in overcoming these struggles. She wants you to come along on this journey and find God's healing and change into a better human being. Start learning to stop coming unglued today.

Author - Lysa TerKeurst

Publisher - Zondervan

Age Group - 18 and up

Personal Opinion - I enjoy TerKeurst's funny, insightful, and true to life writing so much. Not only is she engaging but also shares to true life examples that others can understand. Also, the Biblical answers are really good and make great impressions on the memory. I previously read her Devotional of this same book and found that it had a lot of the same information with only a couple differences. Not that that is a bad thing (I bet the same could be said about the Devotional). I did like how figuring out how you either explode or stuff was done differently in this book and how the information was more put together in a block than just a few pages a day. So I think this book is great but so is the Devotional. So I would recomend that if you like smaller sections at a time, read the Devotional. But, if you like more information at a time, read this book. But, if you want to read both, I wont stop you. :) 

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Other Reviews for this Author - Unglued Devotional - Review

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Booksneeze.com.

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Limitless

"Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life" 

Bookworm's Ranking - 5 Worms

About - Nick was born without arms or legs, was bullied while growing up, yet knows the love of God and that he was made with a purpose. He had felt the highest hope and deepest despair and travels around the world sharing his story and encouraging others to not give up and to find a purpose in their life. Now, Nick shares this same massage in 50 daily devotions to encourage readers to over come their obstacles, find hope and love in God, and to find their purpose in life.

Author - Nick Vujicic

Publisher - WaterBrook Press

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - This book was so wonderful. I loved Nick's story and message before from watching his youtube videos. And this book incorporated everything he talks about and I found it so encouraging. Using his own experiences and journey and other's stories, he gives advice for overcoming your difficulties, for finding your purpose and living your dreams, and to remember that God loves you. Nick truly found his calling in what he does because he delivers those messages perfectly and it speaks to the heart. I wish there had been a spot to write my own thoughts but perhaps that is normal for devotionals. Will be reading this again and giving it as a gift. Perfect for encouragement and inspiration.

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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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Unglued Devotional

"Imperfect Progress in

60 Days?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 5 Worms

About - We have all been there. Something happens that makes us become "unglued," our emotions run rampant, and we let it get the better of us. But it doesn't have to be that way. Lysa TerKeurst knows what it is like to completely come undone and let those you love have it or bring yourself down when something totally goes wrong that you wanted to go right. With pertinent (and sometimes funny) stories, Lysa will talk to your heart and situation while giving suggestion on how to end the unglued cycle and start making imperfect progress by turning to the One who loves and created you.

Author - Lysa TerKeurst

Publisher - Zondervan

Age Group - 17 and up

Personal Opinion - Just one minute... Strange. For how much this book depicted what I struggle with, the note in the beginning should have started with "Dear Rachel." I might not be a mom or a wife but totally get the feelings Lysa was talking about. I don't know how many times I have "stuffed," "stewed," and had "toxic thoughts" leading to an explosion later on or self doubts. While reading this book, I tried harder to let God take care of my concerns, prayed more to Him, and got a Bible verse a-day app to give me some uplifting verses. And you want to know what? I think it is working. Shortly before finishing the book I had an instance where it would have been nice to explode on another or stew about it after but I didn't. The only thing different was reading this book, making me think I might be making some "imperfect progress." If only I had taken this advice sooner. The only things I wish had been different were 1) more direct advice on how to handle these situation (but I can see how each person is different so there couldn't be a clear cut, fix-all plan) and 2) had the self-eval on ways you become unglued in the beginning or right after the first couple chapters instead of the end so readers would have been able to identify with chapters speaking on that type better. But, I loved this devotional and am already thinking of people I want to encourage (or buy for) to get this book.

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Special Notes - There is another book, Unglued, that came before this one and a Bible study too that can be found on the author's website.

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Booksneeze.com.

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A Hobbit Devotional

"Drama... Humor... Insight...
What More Could You Ask from a Book?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Discover God's message and truth infussed in the beloved classic, The Hobbit, as Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarfs on their journey to reclame their treasure. Filled with humor and relevent lessons from the Bible, A Hobbit Devotional takes readers on a journey of faith while Bilbo goes on his adventure and discovers his own strength and faces his fears. With Bilbo and company as examples, readers get a chance to see how fantasy reflects their ralities as they learn important values from the Bible.

Author - Ed Strauss

Publisher - Barbour Books

Age Group - 14 or 15 and up

Personal Opinion - One insightful, enjoyable, fun read. This was such a great devotional. Each one was filled with truth, as well as some ocasional humor, and great conections to the Bible. Loved, and really appreciated, how it covered what was happening in The Hobbit after the introductory quote so it didn't require me going back and reading the book to understand everything. The Biblical conections were thought out, clear, and soul lifting as well as challenging me to think about my own life. I enjoyed each minute of the book and will have to pass it along to friends and family. Only one denominational difference but it was wonderful and it will sit proudly on my shelf.

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Saint Francis and the Nativity

"At that Moment

Brother Francis Laid a Figure of 

Baby Jesus in the Manger Bed."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms
 

Storyline - Mario is a shepherd and loves animals which builds a friendship with Brother Francis. One day, Brother Francis tells Mario about how Jesus was born. Wishing to tell others about the great deed of Jesus being born in a stable, Brother Francis and Mario recreate that night in a cave with live animals for others to come and see, creating one of the most beloved decorations of today.

Author - Myrna A. Strasser

Illustrator -  Fausto Bianchi

Publisher - Zonderkids

Age Group - 6 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Mario comes to learn about Jesus through Brother Francis and comparing things he does for his sheep to what Jesus does for him. Brother Francis wants others to understand God's love.

Personal Opinion - What a great depiction of the beginning of one of the most popular traditions/decorations for Christmas, The Nativity Scene. The pictures were like stained glass and eye catching. Coming to know Jesus's love as Mario learned it and sharing it while assisting St. Francis was beautiful. St. Francis is one of my favorite saints so I love the fact that he started this tradition. This is a book I will have to share with my nephews soon. Suggestions at the end of the book to do with the family to acknowledge and understand the nativity scene were great and there are at least two I want to try. Would recommend this highly and it will sit on my shelf and be shared in years to come.

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Special Notes - There is also a book by the same author about the song Silent Night.

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Winning Balance

Releasing Today!

"The Inspiring Story of a

Pint-Size American Gymnast

With a Big Smile and an Even Bigger Heart"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

About - We have seen her compete in the 2008 Olympics. We saw her dance in Dancing with the Stars. Now, read Shawn Johnson's story behind all that. In her book, she will take you on the journey from her childhood to when she began Gymnastics to when she dreamed of winning a gold meddle in the Olympics to her dream coming true to the dancing competition to wondering what will be in her future, with all the triumphs, heart aches, and life lessons in between.
Author - Shawn Johnson with Nancy French
Publisher - Tyndale Momentum; An Imprint of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc
Age Group - 15 and up
Personal Opinion - Shawn Johnson's story is one to read. It gave insight into what it was like to be an athlete, a teen, and trying to be a normal person. It also gave me a chance to see things I didn't consider, such as what she was feeling and thinking during the Olympics and on Dancing with the Stars. She went though many trials and triumphs. The insights she makes in the book were moving and inspiring, such as the quotes at the beginning and "Lessons I've Learned" at the end of each chapter (I was even highlighting a bunch of them). The poetry she wrote and shared with the pages were beautiful and will be ones I go back to read from time to time.

A moving read and I think this is a book worth the time and money. Can't wait to share it with my mom, who might enjoy it a bit more because she has a special place for gymnastics in her heart, and others who want to hear Shawn's incredible journey.

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Thought it would be fun to add Shawn's Beam routine

where she won a gold meddle in the 2008 Olympics.

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Links - Learn more about Shawn Johnson here.

Special Notes - The book releases June 5, 2012
Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the Tyndale Blogger Network.

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