Book Review: The Total Money Makeover {Booksneeze}

A Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey

ASIN: B00DNBE8P6

Ebook
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Retail: $24.99

About the book: 

If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.

Build up your money muscles with America’s favorite finance coach.

Okay, folks, do you want to turn those fat and flabby expenses into a well-toned budget? Do you want to transform your sad and skinny little bank account into a bulked-up cash machine? Then get with the program, people. There’s one sure way to whip your finances into shape, and that’s with The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition.

By now, you’ve heard all the nutty get-rich-quick schemes, the fiscal diet fads that leave you with a lot of kooky ideas but not a penny in your pocket. Hey, if you’re tired of the lies and sick of the false promises, take a look at this—it’s the simplest, most straightforward game plan for completely making over your money habits. And it’s based on results, not pie-in-the-sky fantasies. With The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition, you’ll be able to:

Design a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt—meaning cars, houses, everything

Recognize the 10 most dangerous money myths (these will kill you)

Secure a big, fat nest egg for emergencies and retirement!

My thoughts:

...long exhale... This book has some really great information and a formula, if I can call it that, for 'living like no one else so that later you can live like no one else'. I've only heard good things about Ramsey and his books so I was excited to read this book {as much as one can be when reading a book on how to get fit}. It is a very easy book to get into; many real-life stories are included throughout. 

Beginning the book, I was encouraged but as I read on, it was akin to drudgery. It was because of his style, however, not entirely the information he put forward. My not caring particularly for Ramsey's style of writing {and ultimately his advice for financial 'fitness'} began with the myths he was presenting. I understand the myths and agree with him...for the most part. What I didn't like or agree with necessarily was his comebacks for them. How he 'disproved' them. Many times he really didn't. 

For example, "90 Days = Same As Cash" scenario. Ramsey says that that's just not true. Why does he say that? Because most people don't pay it in 90 days. That doesn't make the whole thing wrong, just to those people. We've used the "90 Days = Same As Cash" on a few occasions that were exactly as claimed. The same with credit cards. I do know people who have one and use it responsibly. It can be done; it just isn't often.

Another myth: "I don't have time to work on a budget...etc." His comeback? "You don't have time not to." Of course he does go into more detail in the paragraphs that follow the statement of myth and truth, but still, such a lame comeback didn't win any gold stars with me. Another not so great one: "I can't use cash because it is dangerous; I might get robbed," followed by this: "You are being robbed every day by not using the power of cash." The others in the section are better. 

He does also talk about sacrifice, which I agree with. To a point {of course}. Two things I don't agree with paying cash for and 'settling' for are a reliable car and a safe and dependable house. You can pay cash for those, if you are at that point but if you aren't, I don't agree with not going into debt for those two things. Not extravagance but necessity.

My final negative bits about this book {and then I promise to point out the positives} are in regards to his approach to those who are reading the book. I got the impression I could not possibly be able to manage my money without following his guidelines. I also felt like he was addressing someone who is well, less than smart. He uses the word 'stupid' in the book 31 times {according to my Kindle}; a word that I cannot stand. It's just a personal issue. Talking with my husband while reading the book, he {my husband} said it sounded like those who read the book are desperate. Perhaps that is what it is; I'm not desperate so I didn't like the tone that I must be.

The formula is basically this {all this is from my memory- not to be taken verbatim}: 

1. Save $1,000- fast- this is the basic 'emergency fund' {cut that to $500 if one makes less than $20000 a year}
2. Debt Snowball- list debts smallest to largest and work on paying them off in that order
3. Finish the Emergency Fund- this is a 3-6 months of expenses fund- it depends on individual situations
4. Invest 15% of Income in Retirement
5. Save for College- for your kids
6. Pay Off Your Home Mortgage

And it is to be done in that order. If something happens while you are in step 4 and your emergency fund is, well, defunded, you go back to the step where you build it back up. 

The positives of this book are that he is right on about many of the money and debt myths that people often believe. You don't have to have a credit card to live life. Debt is not a 'given', at least not in the way that many people believe it. There are so many, too many, who when they reach retirement have nothing and must still work, and work hard, to get by. The stories of real-life people, couples and single, and families throughout the book is very encouraging. It helps readers identify. 

I like the idea of paying cash whenever possible and without reading this book I probably wouldn't have really contemplated it more than a passing thought. It is doable and makes a lot of sense to me. The 'emergency fund' is so important! We had a few 'emergencies' {fortunately none life threatening} in 2012 that prevented us from taking a family trip that we'd planned for a couple years. If we'd had that fund in place, we would have been good to go. 

Overall, I think it is a good book and program. He has much sound advice and many have followed the program, and others he has put out, with much success. I think it's a book that one would need to read themselves to see if it is going to benefit them. 

***Disclaimer: I received this ebook from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze for free for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. See Disclosure/Policies. ***

Book Review: City on Fire {Booksneeze}

City on Fire: A Novel of Pompeii by Tracy L. Higley {affiliate link}
ASIN: B00C5QA6H4
Ebook, 386 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release date: September 17, 2013

About the book (from booksneeze):

As Vesuvius churns, a slave girl-turned-gladiator joins forces with an unlikely source to seek justice.

In the coastal town of Pompeii, a new gladiator prepares to fight. But this gladiator hides a deadly secret: she’s a runaway Jewish slave girl named Ariella, disguised as a young boy. A savvy fighter, Ariella determines to triumph in the arena, knowing her life will be forfeit should anyone uncover the truth.

Cato, a wealthy politician, moved to Pompeii after tiring of the corruption in Rome. But he soon learns that Pompeii is just as corrupt, and if he doesn’t play the game, his family could pay the price. Determined to bring about justice for the citizens of Pompeii, Cato searches for allies. But what he discovers instead is a confounding group of Christians . . . and a young female gladiator whose fame is growing daily.

Political unrest reaches a boiling point as Christians are jailed and executed, and the mountain in the distance threatens to destroy the city with its river of fire. Cato and Ariella must act quickly and courageously to save their loved ones before all is lost.

My thoughts:

I really like historical fiction. In the recent years I've started reading Christian historical fiction and am enjoying them as well. As can be understood from the book summary above, the setting is primarily Pompeii. The start of the book gives a glimpse of Jerusalem, in 70 AD, at the time of the destruction of the Temple.  Next we see Rome, just a glimpse. Only one chapter each, they set the stage for the rest of the book.

The main character, Ariella, is one of only two to survive of her family of five. She is separated from her brother and sold into slavery. For nine years she is a slave of Valerius- a disgusting man who revels in idolatry and evil deeds. The book is very very discreet on the rituals that Valerius and those like him participate in and I am so grateful. I don't see the need for books to be graphic with filth. Higley does well to paint the picture without sordid details. One night Ariella has had enough of the life she's lived and runs away to become a gladiator. Women aren't gladiators, of course, so she disguises herself as a man. The men she travels with are too dull to figure out her secret!

Meanwhile, in Pompeii the other main character, Cato, had just started his new life with his mother and younger sister. Another sister, Portia, had been living in the city for a few years prior with her husband. We get the idea that Cato was actually running from his political past. Either I skimmed too quickly or the details were sketchy, but I don't know exactly what went wrong in his career in Rome that caused him to leave. We are just given the impression that it didn't turn out so well and he's trying to start fresh. 

One thing about Cato, though, is he's different. He is not a Christian at the start of this book {oh, did I give something away there?} but he is good. He avoids, for the most part, vile deeds and debauchery. He doesn't enjoy things that other Romans are particular to; he chooses not to. He does however seem to have an unhealthy fascination with the gladiator games. Anyway, it is his determination to be good that makes him seek out justice; just the thing that is lacking in Pompeii when he arrives. The city is controlled by Maius, a despicable specimen of a human! 

And that is where I will leave off with telling about the book because I don't want to give too much away. If the person reading the book has any knowledge of the behavior of people in cities such as Rome and Pompeii during this time, they will understand many of the references, without needing much in the way of details. Most know of the pagan practices of these cities so I think that readers will understand what's going on although I didn't feel Higley gave much detail in the practices. Thankfully!

I did feel that the characters were well developed and I got a sense of 'who' they were. Later in the book we are introduced to Jeremiah, Europa, Seneca, Nigidia (Maius' daughter), and others. Each one we can get a sense of their personality and such by the picture Higley paints of them. The Christian aspect of it was woven throughout almost seamlessly. There are times when characters are angry with God, bewildered and confused, and other times on their knees searching for Him and asking for guidance. It is true with real life!

The one thing I did not particularly care for was there are a few instances where the plot (?) just goes back and forth, back and forth. I almost skimmed a few sections because of the repetitive back and forth. I think those parts could have been done somewhat better. Near the end I about went crazy with this problem (Ariella and Cato are rushing to save people in Pompeii- but they have to make multiple trips to the same places; it just drove me batty). 

The beginning of the book has a word bank. If you have this book on Kindle, you won't need the list most of the time. Just highlight a word and the dictionary will tell you the meaning. There are a couple that it doesn't have a definition for and then that word list comes in handy. The back of the book has "The Story Behind the Story..and Beyond" which I thought was interesting. Many of the character names are ones that were truly in Pompeii! Tracy Higley's website has images of her travels to Pompeii, and other places. After the behind the story chapter is a Reading Group Guide that contains 16 questions that are good and some deeper than I expected. 

I enjoyed this book and would like to read more of Tracy Higley's works. I really appreciated the scenes she painted with what I consider historical accuracy (as best I can from my limited knowledge) as well as her tact in covering sensitive topics. There is 'romance' in this book but it's not mooshy. It's old fashioned. There are a few kisses on cheeks and hands, and more than few very subtle references to other acts but none we are given any real details about. Given the time period and subject matter, I felt it very well done. 

***Disclaimer: I received this book from Booksneeze for free for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No compensation was given. This post does contain affiliate links. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Book Review: Life Everlasting

Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow
ISBN: 978-0849943751
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Retail: $14.99

Darkness loomed, but the music--and the flickering light--persisted. Then grew stronger.
The music stopped, the room emptied, and Baxter Richardson opened his eyes for the first time in months. He should have died from his involuntary plunge off a cliff. But he's alive, and mortal danger remains. Familiar enemies stalk him. New ones hover close at hand.
Meanwhile, haunted by accusing apparitions and the tightening dragnet of criminal investigation, Baxter's wife, Rena, is losing her patience. And quite possibly her mind.
Caught in the middle of it all is Alexia Lindale, a lawyer forced to find her way through deceptive alliances, uncertain romances, and courtroom intrigue. It's a struggle of life and death...and life everlasting.

Book #2 in the Santee series, this picks up where the first book, Life Support, left off. Baxter Richardson is in a coma. Rena, his wife, is possibly losing her mind. There’s confusion about the motives of Jeffrey, Baxter’s brother, as well as his father, Ezra. Rena’s lawyer, Alex Lindale, is growing more confused by the day.

You have to read the first book in order to know what is going on! I don’t know how/why I keep picking the second in a series. This one though is quite confusing without the background from the first book.

Without having read the first book, I didn’t know what was going on when I started this book. I felt like I turned on the tv in the middle of a long movie. But the writing is done well enough that, even though I was not ‘in the loop’, I wanted to continue reading. It is an easy flowing style of writing. Even the intense scenes seemed to be mellow.

There is a definite spiritual underlying- well I suppose it isn’t even underlying. It is out in the open with Ted Morgan, the music minister for a local church, and Sarah Locklear, a nurse attending to Baxter, working through music to bring about a change in Baxter’s condition that can be called a miracle and bring glory to God. There are enough characters to keep it interesting (not quite to the point of being too much) and the relationships are interesting to watch unfold and change.

Of course I won’t tell you the ending- I’m not a spoiler (generally *wink*)- but I thought it was an okay book. I wouldn’t mind reading the first book to see what it was that I missed. On a side note, I’m not sure if I was supposed to feel pity for Rena Richardson or to dislike her but I found myself very annoyed to say the least.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from Booksneeze. I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Matar A Lutero

**Warning**

This review will be in English and not very good Spanish. I apologize but my Spanish is not very good. (at times I wonder about my English as well...)

Matar a Lutero by Mario Escobar 
ISBN: 978-1602554634
ASIN: B004Z1LJ5K
Pages 256
Publisher: Grupo Nelson (a division of Thomas Nelson)
Retail: $18.99

"Temo más lo que está dentro de mí, que lo que viene de fuera".—Martín Lutero

Un cuento apasionante de Martín Lutero de las mismas páginas de la historia. Era medianoche cuando el grupo de caballeros abandonó la ciudad. Los cascos de los caballos repiquetearon en el empedrado de sus calles hasta atravesar el Rin, la antigua frontera entre el civilizado mundo de Roma y los bárbaros. No habían tenido tiempo para recoger el equipaje, tan grave era la amenaza que se cernía sobre el protegido del príncipe Federico de Sajonia, y no había tiempo que perder. El grupo era reducido, sólo tres escoltas y el propio Lutero que cabalgaba torpemente sobre el caballo, poco acostumbrado a montar. El pobre monje se esforzaba por no retrasar el paso de su escolta. Mientras los fugitivos recorrían los campos próximos a la ciudad, sus habitaciones eran registradas por soldados del emperador Carlos. El capitán Felipe Diego de Mendoza se quejó: "Alguien les ha advertido, ahora tendremos que seguirlos por toda Alemania".

Martin Luther has been condemned by the Catholic church to be a heretic. Punishment- death.

This is an historical fiction book about Martin Luther and his experiences after posting the 95 Theses to the Church doors. The title is a bit misleading… but they are definitely out to get him! And now for my not so great Spanish blurb of a review:

La lectura de este libro en español fue difícil para mí. No, porque no es un buen libro o un buen tema (Martin Luther me ha fascinado durante un par de años). Fue difícil porque yo no soy un hablante de español muy bueno, y mucho menos un lector de buen español! Pero yo creo que fue un poco más fácil de leer en español que decir.
Sentí que había bastante acción en la historia para que sea un pasador de páginas. Por desgracia, ya que soy un lector español de segunda clase, no puede haber disfrutado tanto como yo pueda tener. Estoy seguro de que hay muchas cosas que me perdí porque estaba necesidad de buscar palabras en mi Inglés / Español diccionario. Existe una edición Inglés, creo y me gusta leer que uno!

In English (in case my translating is way off!):

Reading this book in Spanish was difficult for me. Not because it isn't a good book or a good subject (Martin Luther has fascinated me for a few years now). It was difficult because I am not a very good Spanish speaker, let alone a good Spanish reader! But I do think it was a bit easier to read in Spanish than to say.

I felt there was enough action in the story to make it a page turner. Unfortunately, since I am a second rate Spanish reader, I may not have enjoyed it as much as I could have. I am sure there is much that I missed because I was needing to look up words in my English/Spanish dictionary.  There is an English edition, I believe, and I would love to read that one!

You may wonder why I chose this book if I cannot read Spanish with ease. It was to challenge myself. And challenged I was! ;) I look forward to more challenges.

I received this book as a Kindle download from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Johann Sebastian Bach (Christian Encounter Series)

Johann Sebastian Bach (Christian Encounter Series) by Rick Marschall

ISBN-13: 978-1595551085

192 pages; ebook available (ASIN: 1595551085)

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Retail: $12.00

Johann Sebastian Bach is generally regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time. He enriched his generation, and every generation since, with his prolific ability to survey and bring together the principal musical styles, forms, and national traditions. Himself a Lutheran, he left a corpus of sacred music to cover the entire liturgical year, including Latin Masses written for the Catholic Court of Dresden, and spent much of his working life as a church music director in Germany. Though he was a highly respected organist during his lifetime, he wasn’t recognized as a great composer until the early nineteenth century. Today he is considered one of the most influential ever.

With that said...how did I like this book. I didn't really. Although I did learn more about Bach than I had previously known, it took me forever to get through the book. And it wasn't information that sticks with me. At the start of the book, I expected it to pick up pace because the author of this particular biography indeed has a reverence for Bach but for so much admiration, it doesn't. I found the book to be quite boring. 

It was a chore to read. And I hate to say that about books but there are some out there. Perhaps at another time I will pick this up again and reread it. Maybe I will get more out of it the second time around.

This book was a Kindle download from Booksneeze that I received free in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Galileo (Christian Encounters Series)

Galileo by Mitch Stokes, Christian Encounters Series

Kindle Edition and Paperback

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 978-1-59555-031-6; ASIN: B004PGNC00

Retail: $12.00

From Booksneeze.com: 
From physics to religion, Galileo's life changed the world and how we perceive it.

Despite a debilitating life-long illness, Galileo changed physics from a purely philosophical subject into one involving mathematics and careful observation. But his innovations didn’t stop there. He also challenged beliefs about the very structure of the universe, arguing that the earth moves around the sun at dizzying speeds.

But suggesting such dramatic changes made philosophers uncomfortable. And because they were unable to refute Galileo on their own playing field, they sought help from theologians, sending Galileo headlong into a conflict with church officials. In this biography readers will be privy to the intrigues, personality clashes, and misunderstandings that led to Galileo’s famous trial and condemnation.

I chose this book to review from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze blogger review program because I have recently been reading an older book (not necessarily about Galileo but he is mentioned), History of Astronomy by George Forbes. Honestly, I had thought Galileo was an astronomer! I've learned a great deal about him from reading this book. Not only was he interested in the movement of the sun, earth and planets (much later in his life) he was also a musician, an artist, and an engineer! He actually failed in medicine (because he didn't go to class and didn't do the work!) and didn't receive a degree from the University that he attended.

This is a very well done book, in my opinion. Though it is a work of non-fiction, it is not without its excitement. Starting from before Galileo was born (so we get an idea of where he is coming from), Stokes paints a vivid picture of those who shape Galileo into the man he becomes. He has many friends- and enemies- in high places. He seems to be a kind and generous man with a great ability to work with mathematics. *How interesting that medical students didn't study mathematics back then!* Galileo's studies take him down a path that at first I am sure was exhilarating and exciting but towards the end must have worried him a little.

Interwoven, and honestly at times seemingly misplaced, Stokes brings in other individuals and events during the lifetime of Galileo. These are not misplaced however, because each time we come to understand the connection. Stokes gives humor and empathy as well as greatly referenced resources to move this biography along. I found myself chuckling many times and laughing out loud at other times. Of course, I also found it so difficult to believe the treatment of his theories and ultimately himself.

This book was a Kindle download from Booksneeze and the formatting was a bit off in places (a space before an apostrophe; example: [duke 's]) but otherwise perfect. I love getting books on my Kindle- no waiting for them to come in the mail!

Book Review: The Final Summit

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

Paperback or Kindle

224 pages

ISBN: 978-0785231202; ASIN: 078523120X

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Retail: $19.99

This is the sequel, or at least the book after Andrews' The Traveler's Gift. I haven't read the first book but if you pick up this one, you will not be in the dark. Andrews right away gets his readers caught up with the main character, David Ponder, going down memory lane. 

In a nutshell, this book is the quest to find the one principle that will save humanity. What makes it interesting is that Ponder comes in contact with, or has previously in The Traveler's Gift, individuals from the past that are fellow Travelers. We read about individuals such as Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Joan the Arc, King David, Eric Erickson, and Joshua Chamberlain. Those individuals play an important part in the Summit to which Ponder is called to lead. The archangel Gabriel is the overseer of the summit. In the end, the group supposedly comes up with the 'correct' answer to save humanity. Oops, sorry if that gave it away. But really, it doesn't because the answer was not what I was expecting and I wonder how many readers would have come to the same conclusion.

Anyway, the book itself: the writing isn't wonderful. There are so many instances where Andrews assumes (as good writers are supposed to, I have heard) that his reader will not understand a simple question and therefore his main character must drag out a simpler rephrase from the angel in order to understand. Ponder is supposed to be a smart man and yet at times he doesn't appear to be. Oh, well, I guess we are all like that.

The entire summit meeting is very well done. I did enjoy the reenactment of historical figures. At the end of the book Andrews has an authors note that says he made up most of what the characters said in the book but there were a few times that he drew from historical writings. It is a bit like historical fiction. Interesting bits of information about Eric Erickson, who I'd never heard about. If you are interested in that sort of thing, you might want to look him up ;) WWII figure.

I enjoyed the book for the most part, other than some of the writing- until the end. I was very disappointed. After a certain point when the summit is going, I knew I was going to be in for a surprise ending but... I did not like this one. Anyway, that is my opinion of course. Perhaps you'd like to read the book for yourself and share your review :)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: The Fight of Our Lives

The Fight of Our Lives: Knowing the Enemy, Speaking the Truth and Choosing to Win the War Against Radical Islam by William J. Bennett & Seth Leibsohn

ISBN: 978-1-59555-029-3

208 pages

Kindle Edition: ASIN: B004P5NRSS

File size: 317 KB

Retail: $19.99

I'm going to come right out and say this: This is a great book. Absolutely right on the nose for what is going on. And it honestly scares me to think about the issue presented in this book.

In the introduction of this book it states, "This is not a book intended to detail every mistake, error, and lapse in judgement that we have made in the war that radical Islam has declared on America and the West. Nor is it a book that can describe every threat against us. Nor is this book meant merely as a criticism of President Barack Obama." But this book definitely is criticizing how the United States went from not negotiating with terrorists to blurring the lines that are not to be crossed. When writing about the Fort Hood massacre, Bennett and Leibsohn say, "maybe even the very cause of the massacre itself, implies that this understanding, this once necessary dichotomy, has become outdated- or rather that the lines of division in our culture have become blurred. The soft has corrupted and eroded the hard."

"The point, in fact, of this book: through our cultural and political actions, we are not now as a country on a serious war footing against our enemies, Islamist terrorists; but, rather, we are abnegating the cultural, policy, and rhetorical responsibilities of rational self-defense." That is how it is now. How different from right after 9/11/01- as the authors write: "After that series of coordinated attacks, what Winston Churchill once said about us would, at long last, become true again: 'The United States is like a giant boiler. Once the fire is lighted under it, there is no limit to the power it can generate.'"

I do not usually see myself as one to really argue with people on these issues (politics in general and especially on wars- I'm a bit of a pacifist, I suppose) but this book has really brought to my attention a lot of disturbing events and thought processes of the American people. One of the most shocking statements to me is as follows: "Our diversity, not only in our Army, but in our country, is a strength. And as horrific as this tragedy was, if our diversity becomes a casualty, I think that's worse." -Army Chief of Staff General George Casey speaking after U.S. Army Major Nidal Hasan murdered thirteen and one unborn child at Fort Hood.

There is definitely a war going on- it is very real. This book goes down the path that has led to the war going on now and why it is important to realize that it is indeed a war. Coming from the author William J. Bennett, I am not sure what I was expecting of this book. I definitely got more than I bargained for. Time to take my head out of the sand, I suppose. 

**Disclaimer: I received this Kindle edition book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.**

Book Review: A Conversation with God for Women

A Conversation with God for Women by Marcia Ford

ISBN: 978-0-7852-3179-0

Paperback

Published by Thomas Nelson

320 pages

Retail: $15.99

If you could ask God any question, what would it be?

That is the question that is under the title of this beautifully made book. There are 55 questions in this book that women have been asking (or wanting to ask) about the past, present, and the future. 

Some questions include:

If You love us, why do we suffer?

Why should I trust You completely?

What is Your purpose for me, here and now?

Each question/topic includes Biblical references for truth searching. 

This is truly a beautiful book. The outside photocover is sweet and calming; the pages inside are trimmed with a lacy design. How could one not want to pick this book up and read it? The title is what caught my attention second. Of course we all have questions. And we would love answers. The Bible has the answers and Marcia Ford attempts to bring us to the Bible in a different way than we may be used to.

Each question is posted at the top of each chapter followed by a summary of the question. For instance in chapter 38 Is it okay to pray repetitious prayers? is the question followed by two paragraphs that explain the controversy. Here is a portion:

"Conflicts over prayer have abounded for decades. An entire segment of Christendom uses a liturgy that includes written prayers that are prayed over and over again throughout the year, while another segment considers liturgical prayers unbiblical."

This is followed by the in-depth question, as if it were being asked by someone at the moment, as they think about it. The response or answer to this question is given from the viewpoint of God and Jesus, in this case, sometimes it is also Mary Magdalene, Hannah, Priscilla, or other women from the Bible. 

The answers are referenced to scriptures for checking the accuracy (in the mentioned question, God answers in part that the controversy stems from Jesus' reference to 'vain repetitions' of the pagans, which we can check in the Notes section in the back of the book). There are various translations of the Bible used in this book, most likely to make the message more clear. They include:

1. Contemporary English Version
2. English Standard Version
3. The Message
4. New American Standard Bible
5. New Century Version
6. New International Version
7. New King James Version
8. New Living Translation

What do I think of this book? Let me start with the good: The idea is a good one. Women especially are talkers. We have questions and we like to have them answered. God doesn't verbally speak to use as do our husbands, children, bosses, relatives, etc., but we would like it if He did. The questions compiled in this book are very relevant questions. Of the questions only a few personally I hadn't consciously thought of. The answers are well presented and well referenced, but I will get to what I have a problem with in a second.

Now what I don't like. The idea I like but the realization of it I don't so much. First, the various translations/versions of the Bible are just confusing. If it is understood in one, we can understand it all in that one. There is no need for so many different ones. 

And what I dislike a lot about this book- the pretending to know what God would say is very uncomfortable to me. It's just a personal issue but I can read it in the Bible and know what He means there- I don't need (or want) someone to put His words down as they see them.

This book gets a 3 out of 5 stars because I just could not get past the creepiness (not to mention I felt that it was wrong) of speaking as God. The questions are good ones and the referenced verses to answer them are good. Just don't pretend to be... God. Maybe it's just me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Curiosities of the Civil War

Curiosities of the Civil War, 150th Anniversary of the Civil War by Webb Garrison

Hardcover, 548 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Retail: $19.99 (or on Amazon)

This book is full of information about the Civil War. There are lesser known facts and tidbits about the people and events during the Civil War. Webb Garrison chose the submissions carefully based on their "interest, novelty, and brevity." And this definitely is not an exhaustive compilation. Fortunately for those who are interested in the Civil War or would like to know more, there is bibliography that will help to dig deeper into these curiosities.

I liked the fact that these are short. I love history and have a special interest in the Civil War. Unfortunately there is so much involved with the history of the Civil War it is difficult for me to study it in as much depth as I would like. This book gives me my fix. 

An example of the format of this book: 

"Men of the Richmond Howitzers chose as their mascot a very big crow, jet black. When their pet died, the soldiers called on their chaplain to conduct for it "a regular military funeral." Before the solemn salute was given by guns of the honor guard, the bird was eulogized in both English and Latin." pg. 94

Some entries are an entire page, others are only a few sentences, such as the above. Some of the little bits I've already been made aware of but some I am not sure that I would have encountered them in any other historical work. Garrison pointed out in the Introduction that many of these were only found in one record, and often difficult to find at that. 

I like this book and it's definitely staying in my book collection! If you enjoy 'fact' books, history and/or the Civil War, I think you'll like this one.

**Disclaimer: I received this book from Booksneeze's blogger book review program. I received no compensation but was required to post an honest review of this book in exchange for the book. See more Disclosure/Policies.**