Out Of A Far Country

Out Of A Far Country
by Christopher Yuan & Angela Yuan

A topic surrounded with debate among the Christian community and the world at large, homosexuality is often a topic of heated discussion and raw feelings and emotions.  Being a part of a family where this issue is faced, I was intrigued by the topic of this book and drawn to read it out of curiosity.  I am so glad I did!

Out Of A Far Country tells the story of a journey for mother and son from the time Chris Yuan "came out" about being a homosexual up to the present day.  This story is thick with deep emotion, turmoil, intriguing story line and honesty like few other books.  Through the course of the past years, Yuan shares about the man he became, the struggles and ideas he embraced, the results of the chosen paths and the surprise and encouraging ending that leaves the reader thinking deeply about the world around them.  Every other chapter is either by mother or son, following the life of Chris from different perspectives and giving insight to living with a homosexual family member as well as finding love and peace for all members involved. 

A definite must read for any Christian family facing the idea of a member who is homosexual, this book does not encourage full acceptance of the lifestyle, but instead shows how one family, with God, overcame great turmoil and came to find peace and love amid the misunderstanding.  I was thoroughly encouraged and came away with a new understanding and greater love for my family member.  On the top of my list of recommended books for it's complete honesty and personal growth inducing thought.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir... of Sorts

by Ian Cron

An engaging memoir that keeps readers interest through the pages, memories, stories and lessons.  So much more than just a memoir, this book offers a look into the life of a man who straight forwardly shares the hurts, fears, struggles and battles of a life lived with an alcoholic mysterious father, bouncing from well being to near poverty and back.  Brutal honesty draws readers to Cron's side as cheer leaders through the book.

Prior to reading this book, I was unsure what I would be finding.  Not familiar with Cron's story, I was intrigued by the title.  I am so glad I stepped into the adventure his book offers.  With a spiritual force backing his story, he leads readers through more darkness than is imaginable, spun with laughter and humor, complete with a faith that finds readers identifying and searching their lives for that faith as well.  A good read, quick and light yet deep and fully engaging.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

The One Day Way

The One Day Way
by Chantel Hobbs

I chose to read this book as one who does not necessarily need to diet, looking instead at the book as a whole on it's intended audience and effectiveness in approach and reading style as I have friends I would be able to recommend the book to should it pass my test.

Chantel Hobbs approaches the idea of dieting one day at at time, breaking down the often insurmountable task into little pieces.  By setting oneself up for daily success, focusing only on the day at hand, not weeks ahead or behind, the dieter can begin to break down old habits and form new, healthier habits to replace them.  Spinning in her ten commandments of dieting, Hobbs puts a spiritual spin on the idea of losing weight.  She approaches the topic in a serious yet easy to read and non-judgmental way that invites readers to consider this approach and give it a try.

Like most diet books, this book does of course push the ideas of exercise, healthy eating and lifestyle change.  It is not a quick fix plan nor is it a guarantee... it is up to the inidividual to make the plan successful for them.  After having read the book, I am comfortable in passing it on to friends who are looking for ways to help with their weight struggle.  I appreicate the spiritual aspect to this book and feel it an appropriate, well written approach to helping those who wish to change their weight by doing so one day at a time and trusting in God to help.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Barnes and Noble review: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1679932

Daddy Dates



Daddy Dates
Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts: The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter
by Greg Wright

This is a very fun and engaging book written by the father of four girls, full of funny stories and interest.  Through his attempts to connect with his girls and set a Godly example for them, he shares his experiences and encourages other fathers to make similar commitments to do the same with their children.  A well written book full of honesty and humor, down to earth, encouraging and challenging for fathers.  Full of practical advice and stories easily followed and put into practice.

Setting out to raise confident and successful women-to-be, Wright walks through each stage of life a girl faces, from grade school to pre-teen, puberty, dating, college, etc. In seeking to show his daughters what is is like to be treated with true love and respect by a man who truly loved them, he shares some of the ways he made sure he met his girls at their level and really got to know them.  Through his "dating" his daughters, he shares some of the stories and offers suggestions for other dads to step up and do the same.  Full of practical "take action" type writing, it is easy to follow and implement.

Geared toward men, this book is easy to read through, engaging and entertaining to read.  Women can get their share of information from the chapters as well.  My husband absolutely loved the book and has already set out to begin "dating" our infant daughter, implementing ideas and adapting them to fit the lifestyles of a baby, seeking to make this a lifelong venture in which he can invest many positive hours and build a foundation for our daughter.  A wonderful Father's Day book or for that new daddy in your life.  Very highly recommended!  A tool every dad should have!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Life Without Limits

Life Without Limits

by Nick Vujicic

This book has something for everyone.  From the broken and down-trodden to the secure, there is so much packed into this book.  I was initially interested for the sole purpose of disovering more about Nick and reading his story as I had seen a you tube video and was amazed.  Little did I know how much this book would offer outside of a good read.

Nick is truly inspirational.  The story is written in a very safe and easy to read format, chapters broken down into sub stories so there are easy places to stop mid-chapter and pick up later if one does not have a long time available to read in one sitting.  Nick weaves stories of his growing up and struggles with humor, encouragement and common sense to provide an uplifting message that anyone can understand and put to practice.  Despite his lack of limbs, Nick has overcome and is able to do so much.  Putting his love of public speaking with his inspiring story, he sets out to change the world, reader by reader.

Absolutely at the top of my list of recommended books, this is one I will be passing around to share.  Well worth the time as any reader will come away feeling uplifted and encouraged as well as gracious for their own places in life and the gifts they have been given.  A fresh perspective that changes how things look. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Barnes and Noble: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1639241



Win a Free Breast Milk Baby

Win a Free Breast Milk Baby

Barnyard Stories

Barnyard Stories
by Sylvia Price Mueller

A sound idea, this book offers short chapters, roughly 2 pages, each with an individual story that can be connected back to the overall concept of a farm with talking animals.  The animals learn lessons, meet friends, have adventures and encounter morals along the way.

There are no illustrations in this book, a detriment, in my opinon.  Pages are bland without any creative pictures to accompany the story.

While the stories are imaginitive in nature, they are a bit odd.  As an adult, I cannot say what a child would think, but in comparison with other favored and popular children's tall tales, fables and stories involving animals, this book falls way to the bottom.  Beyond the silliness, which is welcome in tales such as these, the stories feel forced and beyond enjoyment as they are bland of detail, development and character. 

Sadly, not a book I will be keeping around my home, giving or recommending to friends.  A 1 our of 5 stars for me at the most.

You can find a copy of this book at: http://www.dorrancebookstore.com/barstor.htmlor see what else Dorrance has to offer at: http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html

I received a complimentary copy of "Barnyard Stories" as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team. I was in no way compensated for this review or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.