Book Review: Obama - The Historic Journey (young reader's edition)

MotherTalk Book Reviews recently sent me the book "Obama: The Historic Journey (young readers edition" in order to read and review it. It is written by Jill Abramson & Bill Keller and published by Callaway Publishers.

As a Canadian, I do not usually follow American politics, let alone Presidential campaigns and elections. Truth be told, I do not even follow Canadian politics all that much. However, the most recent Presidential election was historical for many reasons. Everyone around the world, including myself, was drawn to their televisions as campaigns were delivered,and finally on that historic November 4, 2008 the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, was elected. Then the world again watched as President Elect Obama was sworn in during his Inauguration on January 20th, 2009.

Abramson and Keller's book allows young readers to learn all about this man, and the historic journey he and his family made. The writing is simple, yet full of information. Information in the book includes lists of favorite things of both President & First Lady Obama, information about their growing up years, their daughters, and the race to the presidency. It allows children to learn about the process of electing a president without being overwhelming.

However, my favorite part of the book is the many photos. The book is full of photos, both recent and older (of President Obama's & family growing up years). The photos show the sheer popularity of President Obama, and it was astonishing to me the magnitude of an Inauguration Ceremony. There is even a special area where children could send in their advice for the newest President of the United States.

I would definitely recommend this book to all those interested in political history, or those who are supporters of U.S. President Barack Obama. It is a great way to introduce younger readers to the world of politics.

This is a non fiction, biography/history book written for children ages 9-12 years. It is avaliable at Amazon.ca, for Canadian readers, as well as Amazon.com

Faith & Pop Culture: A Review

I was recently sent "Faith & Pop Culture", the 8th installment in the Christianity Today Study Series and published by Thomas Nelson in 2008.

The study spans eight weeks and can be used as an individual study or within a small group setting. I really like the format used, as it gives you a number of different activities, which seem to cover all learning styles.

The study combines articles by Christianty Today authers, Bible references and thought provoking questions related to today's pop culture such as television, movies, sports and literature. One thing I enjoyed about this study was how I was encouraged to "think outside the box" when enjoying the various entertainment avenues. To watch television or movies and watch for religious themes, even in those I would have never thought to. I was especially encouraged when a number of articles encouraged Christians to pray for the entertainment industry versus boycotting it. I agree with this to an extent, except when blatant sin is being promoted. Then I will not participate in that type of viewing/reading, etc. I also appreciated the one study on video games, which is predominant in our culture.

The activities are fun, but also thought provoking, and I will encourage those in my social circles to really think about reading and participating in this study.

Christianty Today: Study Series: Faith and Pop Culture can be purchased at amazon.ca

Finding Home - A Book Review

As a person who loves to read, I welcome the opportunity to read books that don't cost me anything. Especially in today's economic uncertainty.

When I heard about the opportunity to do a book review, I jumped on the opportunity. Brad Huebert is the author of Finding Home: A Parable of Kingdom Life. It is avaliable through Amazon,as well as Barnes and Noble

The first thing that I always do when deciding whether to read a book is to read the back cover. If the back cover does not grab my attention, I will not usually read the book. Well, let me just say I opened up Finding Home almost immediately. Here is what I read, which I am sure will intrigue you as well:

"When we struggle to get closer to God and experience his fullness, the typical prescription is a truckload of spiritual activity that leaves us discouraged and empty. Author Brad Huebert has been down that dead-end path and back again. Finding Home dissolves the veil between faith and sight to help you embrace the power and majesty of God's kingdom. Follow the epic adventures of Ivan, a lukewarm believer who finds himself transported to the heavenly realm where he must choose between two paths—the Old City or the New City. One leads to exhaustion and despair; the other leads to the heart of the King. Which will he choose?

Through Ivan's journey, experience how to leave the Old City behind and embrace God’s kingdom. Finding Home is a story you'll want to pick up over and over; it is replete with unforgettably delectable images to savor with each read. It invites you to rethink your old assumptions about faith and kingdom life. Which path will you choose?"

As I began to read Finding Home, I immediately began to be reminded of great works such as "Pilgrim's Progress". The author used a very easy to read style for a very analytical topic, and I for one am very grateful for that. During the last 12 years I have been through many trials and sometimes made poor choices. However, whatever I have done or been through God loved me. He loves me enough to forgive, and enough to never leave me alone. "Finding God: A Parable of Kingdom Love" only served to remind me of this. God does not want me to stay complacent, He wants me to know Him in ways I never have. Thank you Brad for writing this wonderful book. I will be re-reading it to draw even closer to my God, as I continually walk in Him!