Samson by Shawn Hoffman

How does one review a book that was so emotionally exhausting and give the experience of reading it the justice it deserves?   How do you "recommend" a book that is so frighteningly riveting because of the horrors told that you know aren't truly a work of fiction?

I chose to read this book because I believe that we must remember historical events, such as the Holocaust, or we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes.  This is not a fun, feel-good read.  But the story of Samson Abrams, his family, Dr. Mengele, and others is one of a Jewish Olympic boxer's fight with what he truly believes and how he tries to use his gift to better the lives of his family while in Auschwitz.

I really appreciated the level of Shawn Hoffman's research he did for this book and was morbidly mesmerized by the tale.  I read the book in one day, partly because I couldn't put the book down and partly because I really wanted to finish the book so the heaviness in my heart to go away.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. 

How to Talk to a Skeptic by Donald J. Johnson

If you feel uncomfortable talking with someone who is skeptical about your faith, "How to Talk to a Skeptic" by Donald J. Johnson may be a good place to start.

The author gives some sound advice about how to approach someone who doesn't believe the same way you do and to do it in a way that is informative and non-confrontational.  We are not supposed to be pushy sales-people when it comes to our faith, but instead to listen and find out the real reason the other person doesn't either accept our faith as valid or has questions.  How we handle those discussions can alienate or positively influence that other person.

Although I personally do not enjoy debating, I do feel this book gave practical instructions how to address another's concerns.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sex and the Single Christian Girl by Marian Jordan Ellis

I wish books like this were available when I was a young woman, but I am so glad they are now.

What makes "Sex and the Single Christian Girl" by Marian Jordan Ellis different from the other books like this that I have read are:

1.  Mrs. Ellis regularly affirms the reader with terms of endearment.  While reading the book I felt special.  She reminds us that we are cherished daughters of the King, a priceless treasure, and that we are worth waiting for.
2. She gives you a game plan.  Most books don't really discuss a way to remain pure until marriage other than to "hang tough".  I think her perspective is unique because she was in her 30's when she met and married her husband.  She gives practical suggestions, like"laying ground rules" at the beginning of the relationship.  During a make-out session is not the time to do that.
3. She puts it into perspective.  If he isn't willing to wait and ends up leaving, thank the good Lord that he protected you from such a creep!
4. She puts blame where it belongs.  No temptation becomes sin without permission.  Don't allow yourself to be in situations where those temptations can lead to what you wish to wait for.

I am adding this book to the list that I will encourage my daughter to read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mansfield's Book of Manly Men by Stephen Mansfield

What is a manly man?  Stephen Mansfield give you his thoughts in his book, "Mansfield's Book of Manly Men".

After reading the thought-provoking forward by retired Lt. General William G. Boykin, I was faced with the author's words that this book is "Not for girls!" 

Being the compliant that I am, I immediately put the book down.  But, I had promised to review this book, so here it is.

Ladies, this book is not for us.  It is definitely for our men.  I appreciated the author's thoughts about what a manly man "looks like", and I believe that we need to be encouraging help-meets and let our men be just that.  Mr. Mansfield does not point the blame at anything or anyone that may be causing this era of weak men (my opinion... and mind you that is certainly not all men).  Instead I found this book to be a call to action for guys to look to the manly, noble role models in the Bible and elsewhere, and to take personal responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.