Not Cool by Greg Gutfeld

Something I just really can't tolerate is how we have become a society of name-callers.  You know, if you don't agree with someone of a different race you are a racist, etc.  Well, I found "Not Cool" by Greg Gutfeld to be just that... not cool.  Just about every page included put-downs for someone the author did not agree with.

I am unclear as to the purpose of Mr. Gutfeld's book.  If it is to try to sway people of another mindset to his way of thinking, all he is going to do is alienate them.  If he is trying to "entertain" those of the same mindset, I'm sorry, that was lost on me as well.

I will say that the book was not a total loss for me, but pretty close. 

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

The River Cottage Curing & Smoking Handook by Steven Lamb

I have always been fascinated by the traditional preparation and storage of food, so when I had the opportunity to review "The River Cottage Curing & Smoking Handbook" by Steven Lamb I was intrigued.

This small hardcover book is filled with easy to understand information written in manner that is enjoyable to read.  It includes a wealth of information about the science of curing, equipment needed, bacteria and molds, methods and ingredients, and recipes.  But what, I believe, makes this book valuable in addition to the information are all the pictures, of which there are many.

In addition, this book was encouraging.  I really felt the author's passion for his subject and felt that he did a great job of demystifying the art of curing and smoking.

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

Believe Storybook: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus by Randy Frazee

"Believe Storybook: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus" by Randy Frazee is a wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated book.  Recommended for ages 4 and up, each chapter:

• starts with a key question (e.g. How do I best use my resources to serve God and others?),
• includes a paraphrased story from the Old Testament (e.g. Moses asking the Israelites to help build a tabernacle using whatever skills or resources they had)
• relates that Old Testament story to Jesus, and ties that in with a paraphrased New Testament reading (e.g. the story of the Wise Men visiting Jesus),
• shows how Jesus is the answer and how we can be more like Him.
•  ends with a key idea and Bible verse.

As an adult, I appreciated the effort the author took to bring the Old Testament stories and associate them with the New Testament stories about Jesus.  Also, it is a large, hardcover book, perfect to be shared with your favorite little person on your lap or seated next to you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Setting Limits with your Strong-Willed Teen by Robert J. MacKenzie, Ed.D.

First of all, let me just say that I think that any parent would benefit from reading “Setting Limits with Your Strong-Willed Teen” by Robert J. MacKenzie, Ed. D.  The author shares a plethora of stories and ideas about communication, expectations, setting guidelines, and examples of consequences if your child makes the choice not to follow the rules. 

I must admit that I don’t buy in 100% with everything the author suggests, but I learned so much about being clear with expectations and communicating those with the good/bad consequences if they are/aren’t met.  Every child is different, but I believe that any parent will see their child in this book somewhere. 

Being a parent is far too important to just hope and guess.  I would highly recommend this book.

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

Devotions from the Garden with Miriam Drennan

If you are like me, you love devotionals.  This one, "Devotions from the Garden: Finding Peace and Rest from Your Hurried Life" with Miriam Drennan is filled with gardening references that creatively parallel Biblical truths.  For the new gardener or an avid one, the readings are interesting.  Starting with a Bible verse and ending with a prayer, the devotions are short yet meaningful.  All this and beautiful photography, too.

I enjoyed this devotional and think it would be a wonderful gift, too.
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible by Keith Ferrin

When I had an opportunity to review "How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible" by Keith Ferrin, I felt like this book could be an answer to a prayer.  Honestly, I have been struggling with this and have been feeling badly about my luke-warm feelings about reading my Bible.  I appreciated that Mr. Ferrin meets this head-on without making you feel like a second-rate Christian, and logically explains why this is happening and the game plan to overcome it.

I am looking forward to using the suggestions, tools, and questions and am looking forward to the joy of reading my Bible.  The reason for 4 stars and not 5?  That would have to come with actually putting the 10 Tips into practice.

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

Only God Can Make a Kitten by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

Although my children are "too old" for books like this, I'm not!  I must admit, children's books make fabulous gifts and I normally adore books that have a faith-based message, too.

"Only God Can Make a Kitten" by Rhonda Gowler Green and beautifully illustrated by Laura J. Bryant are no exception.  This witty little book with its soft and delightful illustrations are sure to be a family favorite.  I really appreciated the overall theme of this book which is God made everything.  Length of book is good, too, for little attention spans.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.