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egbella's reviews
189 reviews
Death on Hold: A Prisoner's Desperate Prayer and the Unlikely Family Who Became God's Answer by Burton W. Folsom, Anita Folsom
3.0
A heartbreaking and inspiring story that's challenged me to pay far more attention to inmates of prisons around the world - whether on death row or otherwise. My prayers are with Mitch.
*NOTE: The authors don't shy away from listing graphic details for matters such as electric chair executions, violence, immoral activities, and other horrible happenings in the prison, so definitely NOT an easy read or one fit for younger readers.
*NOTE: The authors don't shy away from listing graphic details for matters such as electric chair executions, violence, immoral activities, and other horrible happenings in the prison, so definitely NOT an easy read or one fit for younger readers.
The Road to Unafraid: How the Army's Top Ranger Faced Fear and Found Courage through Black Hawk Down and Beyond by Jeff Struecker, Dean Merrill
4.0
A gripping, fascinating, and inspiring account of faith in the midst of horrible trials. I appreciated the author's honesty, even in regards to his own faithlessness and vulgarity during the early parts of his career, and watching him journey to become a dedicated follower of Christ was compelling. This book left me encouraged to follow Christ boldly, trusting Him to provide - as He always will.
Soon: The Beginning of the End by Jerry B. Jenkins
3.0
As usual, Jenkins did a great job writing an intriguing novel with an interesting setting and a compelling interpretation of possible end time events. I always have a bit of hard time relating to Jenkins' characters, so my attention wandered quite a bit during this story, and I did skim parts in order to get to the end, where the pace picked up a lot. His writing style is just not my cup of tea, but I do admire his work. He tells excellently-crafted Christian stories.
Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans
1.0
I went into this book with high hopes, only vaguely recognizing the author's name. And while I did enjoy Evans' clear, warm, and easy to read writing style - she truly was a talented writer - the conclusions she drew from studying the Bible sadden me. I do not agree with most of her teaching, especially her claims that perhaps the Bible is not fact, but merely a collection of 'legends' and other fictional stories designed purely to teach us. The Bible is indeed full of stories that teach lessons, but it is also history. Calling it anything less, and stretching and twisting Scriptures to meet whatever interpretations make you comfortable, is just plain wrong.
The only portion of the book I agree with is that there is much to be learned from Scriptures. God truly is the master Author, and the stories he tells through His Word - real, relatable, beautiful and sometimes even horrific stories - contain truths that will live on forever, and are truly life-changing to those who are willing to study them with an open heart and mind.
I didn't realize until after finishing her book, that Mrs. Evans passed away recently. I grieve for those who knew her, and her family will be in my prayers.
The only portion of the book I agree with is that there is much to be learned from Scriptures. God truly is the master Author, and the stories he tells through His Word - real, relatable, beautiful and sometimes even horrific stories - contain truths that will live on forever, and are truly life-changing to those who are willing to study them with an open heart and mind.
I didn't realize until after finishing her book, that Mrs. Evans passed away recently. I grieve for those who knew her, and her family will be in my prayers.
The Case for Christ/The Case for Faith--Student Edition Leader's Guide by Jane Vogel
5.0
I found a copy of this at my local thrift store and was absolutely thrilled, as I've wanted to read the actual book for years. While I still hope to read the full version at some point, this was an excellently-written book, and I really reading snippets of Strobel's journey to faith in Christ. I also appreciated that lots of the evidence and interesting facts he found were laid out clearly for students. I would definitely recommend this to anyone old enough to read and understand the concepts presented.
24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton
2.0
I don't regret reading this book, as it held some helpful insights into cultural values and traditions at the time of Jesus' life, but I didn't especially appreciate Hamilton's writing style. Many of his claims seemed like he was grasping at straws, and to echo another reviewer, his writing often felt 'detached - like he wasn't sure if he believed the material he was presenting'. There were a few times that he presented common 'theories' about Jesus' death on the cross, dividing the truth into several supposedly exclusive theories and adding even more that aren't biblically supported. Overall, I found the historical and cultural details interesting, but wish he'd also paid closer attention to the Bible.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
3.0
I've put off writing this review because I honestly don't know how to express my feelings regarding it. Green writes very well - almost too well - and having lost loved ones to cancer and other illnesses, my heart went out to his characters. In particular, I found myself greatly saddened by Peter Van Houten and how his loss led to his deterioration. From the very beginning I was hooked, and read the entire story in one sitting, staying up way later than I'd intended just to finish it.
And it left me extremely conflicted. While Green's writing style and characters were well-done, and it was a very emotional story - as any good story should be in my opinion, I was left feeling very hopeless. I've often wondered how those without the assurance of Christ and eternity with Him deal with the death of their loved ones. This book offered me a glimpse into that sort of mindset, and left me feeling overwhelmingly sad for the characters, and for those who share those experiences in real life. It felt very shallow, and the absence of any real hope for the characters was more crushing than I've ever felt from a book.
I don't believe that's what Green was intending with this story, but it's the effect it had on me. So while I can't recommend the book due to content (language, sexual humor, and intimacy), I also can't deny that it is a powerful story. It sucked me in, and left me desperate to reach out to all those who have been deeply hurt by the loss of loved ones and don't have the same kind of hope I'm blessed to know.
And it left me extremely conflicted. While Green's writing style and characters were well-done, and it was a very emotional story - as any good story should be in my opinion, I was left feeling very hopeless. I've often wondered how those without the assurance of Christ and eternity with Him deal with the death of their loved ones. This book offered me a glimpse into that sort of mindset, and left me feeling overwhelmingly sad for the characters, and for those who share those experiences in real life. It felt very shallow, and the absence of any real hope for the characters was more crushing than I've ever felt from a book.
I don't believe that's what Green was intending with this story, but it's the effect it had on me. So while I can't recommend the book due to content (language, sexual humor, and intimacy), I also can't deny that it is a powerful story. It sucked me in, and left me desperate to reach out to all those who have been deeply hurt by the loss of loved ones and don't have the same kind of hope I'm blessed to know.
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
5.0
Here's another one I've wanted to read for YEARS and never got around to actually purchasing it until I found it at a local thrift shop. And what a wonderful book!
This is the first book besides the Bible that I actually let myself highlight in, and I appreciated that it was formatted to be a study; broken up into forty sections and intended to be read over a forty-day period to allow for contemplation and putting what you learn from each section into action in your life. (I got off-track for a little while, which is why it took me longer than forty days, haha). Every section left me feeling inspired, whether it was reminding me of truths I already knew and had forgotten, or piercing my heart with truths I'd never thought of before. I had a lot of breakthroughs reading this book, and will definitely be rereading it in the years to come.
I'd definitely recommend this book as a comprehensive, helpful, and inspiring guide dealing with many of the issues Christians struggle with today. It helped me be reminded of where my hope and purpose lie, and to renew my perspective to align with Christ's. There's nothing as important as living the way God intends us to.
This is the first book besides the Bible that I actually let myself highlight in, and I appreciated that it was formatted to be a study; broken up into forty sections and intended to be read over a forty-day period to allow for contemplation and putting what you learn from each section into action in your life. (I got off-track for a little while, which is why it took me longer than forty days, haha). Every section left me feeling inspired, whether it was reminding me of truths I already knew and had forgotten, or piercing my heart with truths I'd never thought of before. I had a lot of breakthroughs reading this book, and will definitely be rereading it in the years to come.
I'd definitely recommend this book as a comprehensive, helpful, and inspiring guide dealing with many of the issues Christians struggle with today. It helped me be reminded of where my hope and purpose lie, and to renew my perspective to align with Christ's. There's nothing as important as living the way God intends us to.
Six Hours One Friday: Living in the Power of the Cross by Max Lucado
4.0
I've always enjoyed Max Lucado's writing, and this book was no different. It wasn't my favorite of his (I felt it hit a slightly odd middle ground of dramatized biblical stories and practical Christian living truths, rather than most of his books which tend to lean heavier to one side), but still an inspiring and impactful read.
There were several moments that really stuck with me, such as his dramatized account of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. His portrayal of God instructing the angels to go to Eve (when she was being tempted) the instant she looked to Him for help, but to stay back if she refused to look to God, was convicting. How often is God just waiting, longing and ready to help me overcome temptation, if only I would look to Him? And how many times have I grieved Him by refusing to look to Him for help, but ignoring Him and looking only to my own desires instead?
Overall, I'd read Lucado's other books much more often than this one, but it was definitely worth reading at least once.
There were several moments that really stuck with me, such as his dramatized account of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. His portrayal of God instructing the angels to go to Eve (when she was being tempted) the instant she looked to Him for help, but to stay back if she refused to look to God, was convicting. How often is God just waiting, longing and ready to help me overcome temptation, if only I would look to Him? And how many times have I grieved Him by refusing to look to Him for help, but ignoring Him and looking only to my own desires instead?
Overall, I'd read Lucado's other books much more often than this one, but it was definitely worth reading at least once.