Compelling and refreshing
930309
I was channel surfing last night... [and] was fortunate enoughto flip on the channel while Stephanie Gutmann was talking. Herpresence was so compelling and her comments and responses so refreshing, I was forced to stay. I watched the entire hour-long interview, absolutely thunderstruck. First thing this morning, I ran to the nearest bookstore, bought a copy, took it home and read it in three hours... The book was as compelling and refreshing as Stephanie was, which often isn't the case. What an indictment of the military, Congress, decision makers, and all the other politically-correct stuffed shirts that are currently making policy and deciding our future, with absolutely not one whet of attention paid to our past. Bravo Stephanie!...
1363263
Sean Tucker's prophetic call for a more authentic Christianity is honest, vulnerable, personal, cynical, challenging and most of all - refreshing. Instead of the carefully mediated Christian voices we so often hear, Sean says it like he thinks it, irreverent of church culture and the so-called taboo. Using his own story as a vehicle through which to talk about the problems we face in Western Christianity, he skillfully combines a compelling narrative with the broader concepts he tackles. As a non-theologian, I was never out of my depth and was thoroughly entertained throughout. I laughed out-loud many times and my belief that there is still something to be salvaged from the idea of church, and that this is something worth fighting for, was restored.
4332612
The strength of this book is Nathan Brown's writing and incisive observations. In its 49 brisk chapters, the book riffs seamlessly between popular culture, classic literature, and practical spirituality--from Culture Jam to Pascal's Pensees to the presence of joy at the end of the world. Brown is consistently well-read and well-grounded, a feat not to be taken lightly in the realm of spiritual writing.

What intrigues and beckons readers is Brown's unflinching admission of an existence strewed with pain and doubt combined with compelling evidence of grace and hope. He writes with logic and pathos about a balanced lifestyle that is devoid neither of problems nor redemptive possibilities.

Enjoy reading this book for a fresh look at reality, both seen and unseen.
1693916
This book has intrigue, suspense, raw human emotion and at the same time it is refreshing and uplifting.  It's a good read!
1168332
A delight to read with well developed characters in pursuit of the meaningful in their lives, even if at first that was not their intention, Hutto raises the big philosophical questions with subtlety and grace.  As readers our learning is parallel with the characters of this fine first novel.  At times, I felt I wanted to hurry the pace, but in retrospect I realized I was simply savoring the prose.  The juxtaposition of settings: Charleston and Moscow provides a broad cultural canvas and the author uses it to make for a compelling read.  The protagonists: Paul and Luke compliment each other's curiosity and desire for answers--and the search for a historical letter becomes less a frustrating challenge--and more an opportunity for change and growth.  Add a talking Gabriel icon, witches, pretty women, and coastal cuisine--and enjoy "The Illusion of Being Here" with a beer--and maybe some ice cream.
2280370
The thing with so much writing from younger Christian leaders today, especially those whove grown up in "the church," is that it often seems to come from a place of resigned disillusionment at best, hostility at worst.

Jonathan Merritt's book, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. No, it doesnt avoid hard places nor does it sugar coat the frustrations or letdowns or doubts that tangle our faith journeys. But Merritt has such a hopeful, heart-absorbing but also refreshingly even-keeled way of approaching these things. Plus, hes just a fantastic storyteller. There's a vulnerability and sincerity that reels you in chapter after chapter without fail.

For anybody whos hit those spiritually listless seasons in life, Jesus is Better is truly a must-read. Only one chapter in, I felt stirred up in the best way. And days after finishing the book, its still rustling around inside me. Hands-down one of my favorite non-fiction reads in a long time.
2998209
I just finished 'Date Your Wife' on the plane this morning and found it encouraging, refreshing, challenging, and practical all at the same time.  Justin Buzzard goes boldly go where most pastors never go - into the heart and soul of a MAN.  I wish I had read this book the first year of my marriage.

It's a quick read but packed with wisdom, wit, and a biblical worldview, with rich cultural analysis as well.  The section on power was especially insightful for me.  Buzzard writes with an approachable but unapologetic style that is both refreshing and compelling.

I found myself pulled into the book and quickly catching a new vision for being a biblically-based MAN with purpose and soul that is faithfully and passionately pursuing God and my bride and then modeling that pursuit to my kids.  I will be buying a lot more copies of this book to give to my friends.  I rarely write reviews but this powerful new book will deeply impact  lives so I wanted to give it two thumbs up.
2257274
I found  myself quickly immersed in this very human story of sincere ideals and the nitty  gritty of  living  them out across cultural differences and in a faraway beautiful  place.  Medical challenges with their joys and difficulties, relationships with staff and colleagues, communicating with another mentality--- are offset by challenges in the setting:  only a drip of a water supply, generators to deal with for electricity, burglary of anesthetic and other supplies,  roosters in hospital rooms and outdoor toilets to be rescued, washboard roads and flash flood areas...to name a few, all demanding creativity at every level, and all described with story-telling skill.  I also particularly liked the childhood memories that resonated with their own perspective.

 In this atmosphere of  authenticity , the insights of John Toso's  experience stand out, some heartbreaking in the face of limitations, whether inside or out:  the author speaks refreshingly openly.  The overwhelming balance, however, are  of truly meaningful interactions,  extraordinary medical help and the sharing of faith  made possible by this caring, dedicated family and the people who hosted them. Inspiring!
3264321
What a beautiful and compelling story. The characters are engaging and real. The story heartbreaking and hopeful. Not only did I value the crafted story, I also enjoyed the spiritual journey I was invited to take as well. As the characters sifted through life's biggest questions: who am I? Who is my tribe? What is my purpose? Etc. I too found myself processing these questions once again. I'm thankful to have read the book, enjoyed the story and reflected on the goodness of life and community.
748004
I was surprised at how good this book is and--for a debut novel--how profound a story John J. Sherwood tells.  He is contemplative and tremendously knowledgeable about the emotional issues that challenge his characters (and the reader).  He gave us a picture of what's inside the human head and heart--a look at the human soul.  He uses italics to let us know that's going on in the consciousness of Lansing Hardiman as he faces questions about love, moral choices, and real life consequences.  He was able to move me with clarity of writing without deliberately crafted literary passages.  The novel is beautiful and easy in language and has a remarkable lightness and joy.  One example of the creative use of language is Lansing's proposal to use metabolic as the new "cool" or "awesome."

This book touched me.  On the one hand, I couldn't wait to get to the end to see what happens, and on the other didn't want it to end since I cared about each of the characters and their own stories.  Anybody can relate to the conflicts and choices in this terrific novel: from what lives on what shelf in the household fridge to whether to stay with one's spouse.

Intimacy is an intriguing, thought-provoking book that deserves attention for the life messages it contains.  I look forward to more of Sherwood's metabolic fiction.
2348911
Being gay myself, reading this book was a really refreshing experience. I was able to draw many similarities between Tim's experiences and my own. It is rare that I would read a book at all these days, but the way Tim has told his story was so moving, that I finished it in one sitting. The love of Tim & John, as well as the fascinating 'album' of their lives together has touched me, as I'm sure it will you too. Even if you are not gay, this book can teach anyone a lesson in the true meaning of commitment, loyalty and love. Well worth a read.
752727
I have a particular fondness for historical fiction. Although 'Certainty' is actually based on a compelling true story, which although completely unfamiliar to me was utterly fascinating.

Bevine has an easy, flowing efficiency of writing with deep authenticity and a refreshing uniqueness - free from cliche while still being accessible and modest. Stylistically this novel is on point.

Layered within the expertly crafted prose are vivid sceneries, fascinating characters, an almost incredulous yet deliciously scandalous plot and themes and concepts that are particularly relevant today.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a genuine page-turner, an education, and a story powerful enough to evoke deep thought. I especially recommend 'Certainty' to Gen-Ys like myself, who could scarcely imagine an America so flagrantly homophobic. A must read.
1256489
I love the way this story unfolds! The cover encapsulates the reach of this story from a deeply connected family to a broader sweep of a complex  East African experience.  There is an intimacy to her portrayal that gives it immediacy and makes this a compelling read.
(The cover inset shows the author with her identical twin, a snapshot of that closeness.)

In a sense, their family relationships are a cocoon in a land full of mystery, suffering, and joy.  There is the recurrent theme of family and cultural connection transcending the author's religious affiliation and honoring indigenous people.

Often missionaries are stereotyped as elitist and patronizing, "importing their religion and culture" in an arrogant way inherently disruptive to the native culture.

One sees the converse play out in this family's experience.  That legacy of living "close to the land" and culturally interconnected plays out across their family generations.  There is a tenderness for the culture, playfulness, and insights when cultural contrasts may be startling or even stark.

The imagery with evocative language drove me to pause and re-read paragraphs.  I wanted to absorb the scene, the experience, and the colors through the beauty of her descriptions.  Part of what displays so clearly is her passion for a continent along with the remarkable bond of her family. She broadens the concept of extended family in interesting ways.

I found it refreshing how she described the conflicts and idiosyncrasies of characters. Rather than glossing over, she depicts people frankly and with humor.  It makes the story more compelling and authentic.  I also found her tenderness moving and inspiring.

I like how she maintained the suspense by alternating between the past and present in complex layers.  She alternated back and forth in a dance that revealed nuance and trajectory.  I found this particularly fascinating as I watched the children evolve into adults.

They matched many of the strengths of their parents, independent, individualistic, funny, idealistic and profoundly compassionate.  Oh, and did I mention the tenacity?

There is something particularly inspiring about seeing the legacy of generosity and medical volunteerism transmit down to the next generation.

I LOVE this book!
2486480
I don't read fiction. Terrible yes, but that's the truth. The Drift of Things, however, made me reconsider my reading material of choice. Schwartz crafts a compelling story; prima facie a simple tale, but one hiding layers of meaning both figurative and personal. Profoundly ordinary in his experience, Norman allows us to see ourselves and those we relate to him for what we all are: people whose lives are, in their mundane complexity, the image of average and exceptional. Norman embodies every kid who left his hometown looking for something that wasn't there, and those who begrudgingly stayed only to discover that where you began is where you belong.

Schwartz's writing style is at once approachable and refined to the point that he breaths life into characters that may otherwise seem devoid of interest. These are people you would see walking through life without a thought as to who they really are, unaware of the richness of their lives. A wealth tempered by the absurd reality in which we all find ourselves. The Drift of Things captures this experience wonderfully in a way that could only be done by an author that feels genuine affection for his characters, and one that has a real talent for conveying ideas and experiences both relatable and profoundly, ridiculously sublime.

As worth your time to read as his time to write.
2441231
I started this book a few weeks after my first child was born. I wasn't sure how well I'd be able to focus, but Jemc's compelling, conceptual work kept me hanging from chapter to chapter. With each vignette, the story and characters unfolded in ways that were often surprising and suspenseful. Jemc's narrator--the husband--seems to be turning over his understanding of his wife like an opaque crystal ball, trying and trying to somehow make sense of her. The reading experience is engaging in much the same way--one is constantly compelled to turned the page to gain a clearer picture of these fascinating characters. A really fantastic read, and a truly impressive first novel.
2435166
Refreshingly different. The story is compelling and draws you into it immediately. It instantly became one of my favorite books.
2145109
What a refreshing change to experience a novel that balances the need for action and narrative drive with a reader's desire for deep emotional connections and characters that truly stand out on the page. While I was expecting more of an action thriller, I was pleased with the depth with which Pitir explored his characters, and forced us to relate or revile them for one reason or another. I think that creating heroes is quite easy, but writing the villains is hard, particularly without going cartoonishly in the wrong direction. I think that Pitir succeeds not only in delivering a completely new version of domestic bliss (or chaos), but also in giving us the thrill ride that we were hoping for at the start. Taking on modern-day issues within an almost comically dramatic storyline meant walking a fine line, but I believe the author pulled it off. Stu and Angie are magnificent and unexpectedly great in the lead roles; they seem initially like unremarkable people, who are forcing themselves into a new chapter of their lives. However, what they find is that they're actually born for rather incredible things. I think that transition is what kept and held my interest, as that is something that we all face eventually. That humanized them as characters and made me invest in every mysterious nook and well-written cranny of this novel. Nicely done.