When God Made You

When God Made You
by Matthew Paul Turner
Illustrated by David Catrow

When God Made You is a fun book that has value for young and old alike.  Readers follow a young girl in pictures as the story talks about things God valued and considered in making her, and creating her to be special and unique.  As the pages progress, the illustrations take on more color and brightness, becoming more exciting with each page turn, leading readers to a final thought that "You being you is God's dream coming true".

As a mom of four, each so unique and special, I have enjoyed reading this book to each child and talking about what makes them special.  While the overlying theme is that God made them to be individual, there are many specific examples listed within the story, and each child could find something about themselves being talked about in the story.

Illustrations are bright and engaging, cartoonish but realistic.  Features are friendly and inviting and the increasing color and design invite readers to continue exploring.  Even I enjoyed looking at the pictures for their boldness and fun.

This is a very encouraging book to read to young children, and can easily be read by younger readers as well.  It lends itself to many conversations about God and individual qualities and how we are each carefully crafted by His hand to be perfect in His sight.  We have all enjoyed this book in my home and I would recommend it to other parents as well.

* I was provided a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review as a part of the Book Crash review program.

http://fw.to/sYtgl9l

Understanding Exposure

Understanding Exposure
by Bryan Peterson

I have been slowly learning on my own how to take better pictures with my DLSR camera.  Each time I take pictures, they get better with practice.  However, I was looking for some help without investing in a class or reading a long, technical, confusing book.  When I found Understanding Exposure, I was hopeful it might lead me to be an even better photographer.

From the moment I opened the first page, I knew I had found a valuable book to guide me on my learning to be a better photographer.  This book is packed with information, but presented in a way that is easy to read, engaging, simple to understand, and packed with information good for the novice all the way to the experienced.  Peterson, a long time professional, offers tips, examples and common language to explain how the camera works, why options do what they do, and how to navigate the camera.  From there, he teaches readers how to hone their skills to better control exposure, lighting and frame subjects to get better pictures.

I have enjoyed reading through this book and intend to keep it in my library for years to come as a reference.  One chapter in and I already learned so much!  I plan to read through this book a second time in the near future because I know I can already build on what I have recently learned.  I highly recommend this book for any photography newbie, there is so much to learn!

* I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review as a part of the Blogging for Books program

Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child

Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child
by Boris Vujicic

Having read all of Nick Vujicic's books this far, I was very interested in reading the book recently released by his father for a few of reasons.  First is that I was curious to have an insider's look into the Vujicic family life and learn about Nick from a different angle.  Second is that I know several friends who have children with disabilities and would love to share the inspiration and hope with them.  Third is that I was sure I could learn something about loving and appreciating my own children through the journey.  I was right on all three accounts.

Written from the viewpoint of Boris Vujicic, the book follows the family from the moments they learned of Nick's limitations through his life to current times.  In it, Boris shares with transparent honesty his true feelings during those difficult times.  He also shares inspiration and encouragement for other parents to embrace their own children as they are.  There is validation, hope, honesty, encouragement, truth and love in his words  Each chapter finishes with some takeaway thoughts.

Whether you have a child with disabilities or not, there is so much to glean from this book.  A Christian perspective into loving all children because of their imperfections.  I most definitely recommend this book and will be sharing it with all of my friends raising children with disabilities.  Nick's message of hope and love continue through Boris' words and leave the reader feeling filled and encouraged to face the days ahead.

You can find this book here

* I received this book for free through the Blogging For Books program in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Cheap Chic

Cheap Chic: Hundreds of Money-Saving Hints to Create Your Own Great Look

by Caterine Milinaire and Carol Troy

The 40th Anniversary Edition of Cheap Chic has recently been released, with a Foreword written by Tim Gunn.  This book was originally published in 1975 and looked to as a classic guide for finding clothes to make one feel comfortable and fashionable, regardless of where the clothing items are purchased.  Forty years later, it is promoted as providing advice to build an affordable wardrobe that can help one make their own fashion statement without breaking the bank.  Original vintage photos along with advice from noted fashion icons fill the pages.

I was interested in this book because I do not have the income to afford new clothes and seldom have the opportunity to shop for clothing at all.  I was hoping to find money saving options and advice to help me fit in the world of fashionable clothing without needing to start over.  Sadly, I am very disappointed in this book.  I am admittedly not a fashion world follower, nor am I one to follow trends.  However, I read the pages of this book hoping to find those tidbits of helpful information as the book claimed to help guide the wardrobe regardless of where the item was purchased, even thrift stores.  

Essentially, the outdated pictures detract from the information, and it felt like I was flipping through an old magazine at my grandma's.  What I learned was what I already knew - dress in what makes you feel comfortable, define your own style and shop within your means.  So, no big revelations there.  I can't say that I learned anything about how to look fashionable and I definitely did not discover "hundreds of money saving hints to create my own great look".

This book is a huge let down for anyone who is not into fashion models and designers.  A waste of my time reading it and a book headed to the thrift store itself.  Don't waste your time unless you are a contestant on "America's Next Top Model".

If you are interested in checking it out, you can do so here or through the publisher.

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review, thanks to the Blogging For Books program.

Bend Your Brain

Bend Your Brain
by The Minds Behind Marbles: The Brain Store

Seldom have I had such fun reading a book.  While I definitely enjoy a good book and can get sucked in for hours on end, I don't often find myself calling the book fun... until now!

Bend Your Brain is a book filled with fun little puzzles designed to improve brain function in the five categories of visual perception, word skills, critical thinking, coordination and memory.  Through a variety of puzzles, readers can play and increase in difficulty as they feel necessary, from "mind- warming" (easy) to "mind-blowing" (hard)

There are 151 different puzzles, tips and tricks within each brain function category, each varied in difficulty, but each engaging and fun to play while growing your mind.

After an introduction that explains the process and the reasoning, readers find the five sections, each with their specific puzzles.  There are answers in the back of the book as well to check yourself.  With lots of pictures that are of excellent quality and text that is varied and engaging to look at, this book is just plain fun!

I have been working through each of the sections a little at a time, still far from the more difficult levels, and am really enjoying the journey. While I cannot prove that I have gained any brain function, I do know I am being challenged.  I find myself grabbing this book when I have a few moments of down time or while doing something mindless like waiting.  I also have had many friends pick up the book while visiting my home, as I leave it on the coffee table, and become lost in the puzzles for quite a length of time.

I definitely recommend this book.  With so many things to do and the benefit of working out your brain while having fun, there's nothing to lose!

About the author:

MARBLES: THE BRAIN STORE is in malls across the country. They and their branded products have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, USA Today, and Wired, as well as on the Today show and Martha Stewart Living.

You can find a copy here!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Take Fight! A Sisterchicks' Devotional

Take Flight!: A Sisterchicks' Devotional
by Robin Jones Gunn and Cindy Hannan

A devotional spin off of the popular Sisterchicks books, this book is easily read and enjoyed with or without knowledge of the series.  As a reader who has not read any of the Sisterchicks books, I was able to enjoy this devotional and to understand and appreciate it with no problem.

Broken into sections, this is a small devotional with 3-4 readings per section.  However, this creates a book easily used in a group study as well as personal, as it offers a quick dive into God's word through the witty writings of Gunn and Hannan.  Quick to read yet so full of fun, light yet thoughtful readings, this devotional is a perfect quick study.  Themed around the Sisterchicks, "a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you're being a brat.", each study contains quotes, insights from "Robin's Nest" and "Cindy's Perch", a bit of "Wit and Whimsy" in the form of a laugh or a smile, several scripture verses offering the reader opportunity to "Take a Closer Look" and a space to journal thoughts.

Well thought out and written, any woman will enjoy the journey through this devotional and gain insight and knowledge through the stories and scriptures.

You can find this book at Barnes and Noble or other booksellers nationwide.

I was provided a copy of this book to review through the Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program.  I was in no way compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good LIfe

 

Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life
by Nick Vujicic

Yet another fantastic book written by the inspiring and encouraging Nick Vujicic.  This devotional is packed with 50 devotionals on the topics of hope, blessings, faith, passion, servanthood and so much more.  Each begins with a bible verse, contains a 2 page devotional with stories from Nick's life to offer encouragement and a Life application section to end in which Nick offers focus and ideas to apply what the reader has just absorbed.

I have thoroughly enjoyed each of Nick's books thus far, and was not disappointed when I opened this book.  Fantastic for a gift, it is also perfect for a little time of personal focus.  Full of positivity and real life that makes the reader consider who God is and how He cares for each of us and has a purpose that is different from any others, this is a fun devotional to read.  Straightforward, honest and down to earth yet entertaining and uplifting, it is an enjoyable read.

I highly recommend this book!

You can find a copy at Barnes and Noble .

I received a copy of this book for free to review through the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program.  All thoughts expressed are my own, I was in no way compensated for my review or required to write a positive review.

Firsthand

Firsthand: Ditching Secondhand Religion for a Faith of Your Own
By Ryan and Josh Shook

A faith- challenging book sure to cause the reader to take a deeper look at their Christian faith, or lack thereof.  Written in a very non - confrontational way, filled with real life examples and thoughts, not only from the authors, but from a wealth of others, there are a variety of ideas and faith levels represented. Readers will find not only conversation about having one's own faith firsthand as opposed to believing through parents or other adults, but also ways to dig deeper, search more completely and grow stronger through reading and actions.  A great book for all levels of faith, each reader is sure to find encouragement and challenge to know Christ firsthand.  Well worth the read and  a fantastic book to pass along!

I was provided a free copy of this book for review by WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging For Books program.  I was in no way compensated for this review nor required to write a positive review, all thoughts are my own.

Find it at Barnes And Noble and other book sellers nationwide, beginning March 19, 2013!

Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year

 

A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year

by Diane Stortz

 

A book geared especially toward women and their needs for social iteractions and friendships, this guide begins with a little introduction and encouragement.  Built around the idea that a group of women should seek to accomplish this task of reading through the Bible in a year together, stories are shared that give the reader ideas of success and support.

 

Set apart into weeks, each week begins with a little background about the verses that will be read for the week.  Following that, there is a list of books, chapters and verses to be read, one for each day.  Checkpoints are listed for the reader to have some points to look for in their reading to keep things centered.  A journal portion of the page is left for the reader to answer questions about what they have read, allowing the reader to jot down verses or passages to remember, something that was learned or gained, and any questions.  This page then proves helpful for the weekly group meetings for discussion.

 

While inteneded for group use, this book is equally helpful for reading on ones own as well.  Simple and easy to follow, the guide breaks the Bible down into manageable portions that offer success.  I enjoyed the intro for each week, as it guides the reading rather than just offering a list of verses to read.  A book that will surely stay in my collection and one that I am recommending to all of my female friends.  A good place to condsider starting a small group.

 

I was provided a free copy of this book for review through Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program. I was in no way compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review.

 

Barnes and Noble Review

Unstoppable

Unstoppable
Nick Vujicic

I am excited to share that, coming October 2, 2012, Nick Vujicic's new book Unstoppable will be hitting book shelves across the nation.  Having read and reviewed his first book Life Without Limits (find the review here), I am looking forward to discovering more about Nick and his ministry as well as being encouraged and challenged.  I have been given the opportunity to share a few links to share a hint of what is in store for readers in this new book.  Check them out...

You can read an excerpt of the first chapter of Unstoppable here

Check out the video here: Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action

A fan of Nick and his power to encourage and empower anyone, I am truly looking forward to getting a copy of this book to read for myself!  Join me in supporting this awesome man and his gift to uplift and challenge as well as his ministry.