Scan barcode
egbella's reviews
212 reviews
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.
The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, & Create by Allen Arnold
3.0
I purchased this book after getting to meet and speak with the author, Allen Arnold, last year. The way he approached creativity, and working with God to create good art, really resonated with me, and I wanted to read his book. Personally, it fell a little flat for me. I think I would have preferred either a complete fictional story (as in, the parts with Mia), or a complete instructional book with Arnold explaining his points. Mixing both felt jarring to me, and I had a hard time concentrating or getting engrossed in the story. That being said, he has some very good points, and I truly have found his encouragement to create WITH God freeing and inspiring. I'd say it's definitely a book worth reading, especially if you struggle with feeling like your art has any meaning, but be aware that it may not be quite what you're expecting.
A Life Beyond Amazing: 9 Decisions That Will Transform Your Life Today by David Jeremiah
5.0
Another of Jeremiah's books that I highly recommend! Though it doesn't have Bible study questions listed in it, as some of his books do, I still used this as a study, and went through it over about 12 days. It's an extremely insightful and inspiring book with many practical ideas to begin integrating the qualities God means for us to have in our lives. A very worthwhile book, and one that I pray will continue to work on my heart. Definitely one I'll be rereading.
Everything You Need: 8 Essential Steps to a Life of Confidence in the Promises of God by David Jeremiah
5.0
As always, I really enjoyed this book of Jeremiah's. More and more, I find myself appreciating the depth of insights, encouragement, and spiritual help that he packs into his books, and this one was no different. Though there was no Bible study included, like many of his previous books, I used it as one anyway, jotting down my favorite lines and reading one chapter a day. Each chapter focused on another quality (kindness, love, faith, etc.) we as Christians are called to develop in order to glorify God and draw others closer to Him, and they continually inspired and motivated to work on them. May I grow to show those qualities in my life! I'd definitely recommend this book.
The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson
3.0
This book was recommended to me by a friend who found it helpful, and while I don't agree with everything in it, I can honestly say I'm glad I read it. There were certainly sections that were very insightful and beneficial to me, on topics such as conquering sin, taking every thought captive to Christ, and not allowing Satan even the slightest foothold into our lives. And though I do believe we need to be careful with how much focus we give to demons, as it's so easy to begin giving them credit for our own sinful tendencies, I never found any area where Anderson suggested that everything is contributed to demons. In fact, he was quick enough to remind readers of C. S. Lewis' quote that we shouldn't fall into either camp: either attributing too much power to demons and being fascinated/terrified by them, or by pretending they don't exist. They do exist, they do cause many problems in this world, and - most importantly - we have every authority and power in Christ to resist them.
Overall, I didn't find this book revolutionary, but nothing appeared contradictory with the Bible, and it seemed a solid resource on turning from sin and finding power and strength to overcome temptation with Christ. There were also plenty of helpful and practical 'example prayers' to assist those seeking to pray, but struggling to start.
Overall, I didn't find this book revolutionary, but nothing appeared contradictory with the Bible, and it seemed a solid resource on turning from sin and finding power and strength to overcome temptation with Christ. There were also plenty of helpful and practical 'example prayers' to assist those seeking to pray, but struggling to start.
Still Growing: An Autobiography by Kirk Cameron, Lissa Halls Johnson
3.0
I forgot to review this one right after I read it, and now I honestly don't remember it well enough to write a fair overview. To clarify though, I don't believe that's so much the book's content, but far more the fact that I binge-read it late one evening while half-asleep, haha. Autobiographies are often my late-night read of choice for some reason...
From what I do remember however (if I re-read it, I'll come back and redo this), the writing style wasn't anything amazing, but the book was interesting and enjoyable all the same. I've never seen or heard too much about Kirk Cameron before, just vaguely knew he was a Christian actor, and I'm glad to see he seems to be standing up for his faith even in the midst of the harsh Hollywood atmosphere. Overall, I don't regret reading it at all.
From what I do remember however (if I re-read it, I'll come back and redo this), the writing style wasn't anything amazing, but the book was interesting and enjoyable all the same. I've never seen or heard too much about Kirk Cameron before, just vaguely knew he was a Christian actor, and I'm glad to see he seems to be standing up for his faith even in the midst of the harsh Hollywood atmosphere. Overall, I don't regret reading it at all.
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
5.0
Another book I've been wanting to read for years, especially after watching the recent movie based on Strobel's journey to faith. And it's definitely worth the read! While I expected and would have enjoyed reading more of Strobel's personal story (like in the movie), I did appreciate the straight-forward way he relayed his interviews with experts, and gave the plain and simple facts. It managed to read like a textbook - but not dry or boring, just fascinating and compelling. His writing style felt very unique, and I enjoyed it.
One thing I've seen others mention critically and I do agree with, is the fact that Strobel refrained to interview (or at least record the interviews in the book) people of other beliefs. As a Christian, I enjoyed reading through the interviews with all the Christian experts he cited, but I understand why others would like to have seen more of the 'opposing' side. Strobel as appeared in the book didn't seem hostile or truly skeptic, but more apathetic or honestly curious, so I never felt like I really saw both sides. And having both arguments contrasted would have made for an even more compelling case. Many of the devil's advocate questions that Strobel asked seemed too easily answered, to the point where I don't think someone truly skeptic or atheistic would be convinced.
All that being said, I really did enjoy this book, and will definitely be re-reading it! The apologetics inside are extremely valuable in today's world. I'm grateful that God has worked so much in Strobel's life, and that He's working through him to touch hearts and lives.
One thing I've seen others mention critically and I do agree with, is the fact that Strobel refrained to interview (or at least record the interviews in the book) people of other beliefs. As a Christian, I enjoyed reading through the interviews with all the Christian experts he cited, but I understand why others would like to have seen more of the 'opposing' side. Strobel as appeared in the book didn't seem hostile or truly skeptic, but more apathetic or honestly curious, so I never felt like I really saw both sides. And having both arguments contrasted would have made for an even more compelling case. Many of the devil's advocate questions that Strobel asked seemed too easily answered, to the point where I don't think someone truly skeptic or atheistic would be convinced.
All that being said, I really did enjoy this book, and will definitely be re-reading it! The apologetics inside are extremely valuable in today's world. I'm grateful that God has worked so much in Strobel's life, and that He's working through him to touch hearts and lives.