Book Review: Radical Together by David Platt 04/16/2011
 I recently wrote a book review for Radical Together by David Platt (Multnomah Books, ISBN 9781601423726, April 2011, $14.99) for The True Vine Online. Read the book review. Do You Believe This Gospel? Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Add Comment  Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East by Bryant Wright (Thomas Nelson, ISBN 9780849948152, August 2010, $19.99) takes readers from Abraham to today when addressing the Middle East conflict. Wright pairs scripture with historical facts back to one family--Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. As the story progresses he follows the genealogy and we explore family conflict. I believe readers will find this book direct yet not too complicated. Wright’s use of familiar scripture helped with balancing the historical facts and organizations that were new to me. I walked away from the book having a new appreciation of the differences between Jewish, Christian, and Islamic. It also makes me want to dig a little deeper. What I liked most about Seeds of Turmoil was considering the turning points in each of the relationships (i.e., between Abraham and Sarah, Sarah and Hagar, Isaac and Ishmael, etc.) as communicated in the bible and based on Wright’s studies. I believe readers will be able to see themselves and reflect on their personal relationships. I also appreciated the simplicity in which Wright tackled a extensive, complicated topic. I believe it was Wright’s attempt to ensure all readers would understand that gives the first few chapters a slow pace. In the end, I would recommend this book for Christian readers. I believe they will find the presentation including timelines, maps, and Wright’s laid back approach entertaining and educational. My Rating Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt (Multnomah Books, ISBN 9781601422217, June 2010, $14.99) challenged me to examine my relationship with God and I’m sorry to report that it may not be as good as I thought.
Radical examines Christianity and how, as Christians, we view our work for Christ. However, this examination, in my opinion, takes it a bit further because David Platt considers how our beliefs and faith are shaped by our American culture. Meaning, how are we living Christ’s purpose while staying closed off from the world—nestled comfy in our picture-perfect existence. David expressed it clearly, “God creates, blesses, and saves us each for a radically global purpose.” I loved the book.  Creativity for Christians by Sheilah Vance with Reverend Felicia Howard (The Elevator Group, ISBN 9780982038420, Sept 2010, $15.95) is a writing book for Christians wanting to share their personal testimony. I received an advance, unedited, copy of the book that Vance describes the workshop as “…not just a writing exercise, it’s a bonding exercise.” The book has a unique format; Vance shares her personal testimony, the Creativity for Christians workshop format and exercises, and stories from students that participated in her workshops. I found the book informative and the personal stories were inspirational. However, I would have enjoyed reading the workshop information apart from the testimonies. It also seemed as if I was rushed through the creative writing aspect of the book. I believe this book is ideal for church program directors. They could use the book to create a wonderful workshop for their congregation. Reading “Creativity for Christians” took me back to my childhood when church service included testimonies. It was powerful then and a workshop based on this book is definitely relevant now. My Rating Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher Net Galley. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Book Review: The Edge of the Divine 10/20/2010
 The Edge of the Divine, by Sandi Patty, recounts Sandi’s journey through life and weight loss. Readers are entertained with Sandi’s touching personal stories of love, marriage, parenting, and self-awareness using God’s word as key element. I found this book entertaining and insightful. As a person that had ups-and-downs with weight loss, I found it was refreshing to read The Edge of the Divine. However, I would not limit it to readers trying to make sense of their weight-loss woes since she shares her bout with depression, career changes, and how “God is enough” for everything that ails your life. My only complaint is the pacing of the book. I found it to be very slow, which made for a great book to read every evening. I plan to read it again because she gave great insight and practical use of some commonly known passages in the bible. In the end, I would recommend this book to readers ready for change. You will find the stories enlightening and entertaining. She writes in a informal, girlfriend tone, which makes it relatable. Lastly, she advocates for self-love and tapping into our greatest resource…God. As a reader of this book, you cannot help but to walk away motivated and inspired to be all that God has called you to be. My Rating Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” |     About Dana
Dana Pittman is a wife, mother, speaker, author, teacher, friend, crocheter, runner, God's daughter...oh goodness, the list could continue. Here, you will have access to the workings of her mind and she'll share her beliefs, passions and life altering media. Join My Mailing List
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