Book Review Blurb

***** = Make time soon
**** = Worthwhile read at some point
*** = If you have spare time, go for it
** = Not the best resource
* = Steer clear


Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas *****
Such a wonderful and inspiring biography! I was drawn in by Wilberforce's life and the conviction by which he lived. The way it is written is captivating and makes you want to keep reading. I was actually sad when it was over (and it's a big book) and longing for passion like his. Great read!



Becoming God's True Woman by Nancy Leigh DeMoss ****1/2
A compilation of all the wonderful resources on biblical womanhood put into one book. I went through this book as a study with my life group gals and it was wonderful content to go through with them. It goes a little beyond the basic book on biblical womanhood and takes the application a step further, especially for single women, but speaks to married women as well. Great questions in the back for discussion.


Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider ***1/2
Simply written book about organizing your home, de-cluttering, minimizing and cleaning. I thought it had some great tips in there and it was motivating for me to do deep cleaning throughout the house. We had a huge garage sale shortly after I finished this book. Reading the book was the easy part; doing all that she recommended was a pretty big undertaking, but I was certainly glad when it was done.

7 by Jen Hatmaker ****
Hmmm...where to start? I could probably write a separate blog post about this book. Basically, a journal through 7 months of this woman fasting from 7 areas of excess, such as food, clothing, eating out, etc. It may sound weird, and honestly, the book starts off slow and seemingly like its going to be a journal of self-inflicted complaints, but it quickly became a wonderful read. It got me thinking about the ways my family spends their time, money and resources, the complaints, the priorities, the ways that we can serve and sustain our city, and my prayer life. I was grateful that God used this book to open my eyes and allow me to ponder much of this in my heart. It is written in a conversational way that I ended up enjoying after the initial chapters. It's worth reading.



The Soul Winner by Charles Spurgeon ****1/2
Such an INSPIRING book! I gleaned much from the wise words of this theologian. Would highly recommend to any believer, but especially to one who is feeling a bit ho-hum in his/her faith. This book will remind you of the passion you once had to tell others about Christ and refresh you in the beauty of the gospel. It will motivate you to share freely with your children and all those who God has put you in relationship with. I loved that he included many sections about sharing Christ with your kids.


1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp ***1/2
A really sweet book. The premise is about seeing all of your life as a gift from God, even the trials and suffering. Ann is the woman who began the trend of writing down things she's thankful for, all the way up to 1000 and beyond. For me, it was a great reminder to pray for gratitude, even when I didn't feel thankful. Writing down that gift that didn't feel like a gift, "cleaning up yet another spill; thankful to be this messy boy's mom, thankful you made him like you did." I am still working on my list and in the 300-400 range. I am glad I am making time each day to sit, meditate and thank God for His gifts, especially the incredible gift of His Son, Jesus.

Christian Beliefs by Wayne Grudem ****
Great systematic theology book that I went through as a study at New Life. It's a wonderful alternative to the full book as a beginning systematic theology because it is condensed, and takes you briefly through many of the same topics in much less time and depth. Very succinct and helpful.

Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul Tripp (second time reading this) *****
Such a wonderful book that I definitely wanted to read it again. It relays the truth that
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the lives of others. Our hope is found in Christ and is lasting because HE makes change possible, not because we (as counselors) say the right thing or because those we counsel try harder or try new methods or principles...because we offer truth, we offer a Redeemer. Hope found anywhere else is false hope. I highly recommend that you take time to read this powerful book.


Feel free to comment and let me know what you thought of these books or if you have any others you'd recommend that I read next! I am always up for suggestions!