Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Band That Played On by Steve Turner- An Honest Review

Summary: 'The Band That Played On' by Steve Turner is a biography of the eight band members that went down with the Titanic, casting aside all myths and mysteries, revealing the lives of each man.

Writing Style and Product: It is a rare author who can truly make a biography interesting. Thankfully, it seems like Mr. Turner is a one of those gifted few. This book truly was a story, not simply a biography. The physical shape of the book is good quality (this review of the hardcover edition), with a nice cover and comfortable shape.

Thoughts and Reading Experience: The story of the men who went down with the Titanic was a little different than I was expecting. Aside from their famous last moments, I didn't know very much about them at all. The author gives each of their stories separately, and brings them together at the close of the book. This is a work worth reading, and would make a great source for high school students working on history projects or book reports. It is also a good general educational book to have on hand in your home. I highly recommend it.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

The Shelter of God's Promises- An Honest Review

Summary: In the Shelter of God's Promises is intended as a woman's devotional through the promises of God's Word.

Writing Style and Product: Sheila feels like an old friend in her style of writing. Included is a study guide, and if you go by it weekly, it feels like your meeting with her over coffee. I always enjoy a study guide in a devotional.

Thoughts and Reading Experience: This work is an encouraging look into the promises of God that occur throughout the Bible. All in all, it was a good refresher course for me. God's promises are something we need to keep in our hearts, and I was reminded of that.
However, an issue I had was the length and depth of the book. I felt so much more could have been expounded upon that the author left untouched, and after I completed the book, it seemed a bit like fluff in the fact that she did a lot of skimming.
Still, it's recommended, because it may inspire to study more in-depth into the promises through Scripture.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Voices of the Faithful by Beth Moore- Honest and Unbiased

Summary: 'Voices of the Faithful' by Beth Moore is a collection of inspirational stories of missionaries, by missionaries, from around the world, put together for a year of devotional reading. Included is a verse and a prayer in each devotion.

Writing Style and Product: First off, the book itself is beautiful and well made. The writing style varies as the authors do, but the guideline is a story or experience told by a missionary, and how they saw a lesson or work of God in that experience.

Thoughts and Reading Experience: This book is definitely inspiring. It is such an encouragement to read the stories of missionaries from around the world and how God is working in their lives. The prayers written at the bottom of each page are a special touch, and a convicting reminder.

However, though I enjoyed this book, I would not recommend it as a daily devotional, because in my opinion, it lacked substance, and other great devotionals such as My Utmost for His Highest and Morning and Evening surpass it by far.
It is great for general reading, but not in my quiet time with God. I need something where I learn about God thoroughly, not just stories and experiences. Still, it is encouraging and lifts your spirit, as well as keeping you to base with missionaries. Too often we forget them, and this book is a great reminder for that.