A Powerfully Raw Narrative of Life with God and Leukemia
344115
Amazing book!  Often when people write books about how God met them in some challenging event in their life, they tend to give the highlight reel of their experience with God - a distilled, cleaned-up version of how it all happened.  Not Michael Kelley.  He gives you front row seats to witness the good, the bad, and the ugly in his own wrestling match with God throughout his son's battle with leukemia.  No trite Sunday School answers or pithy cliches here.  Kelley does an amazing job of not only taking you inside of his own journey with God but also weaves story after story of Biblical characters who experienced similar emotions and questions.  Great writer + gut level honesty + an Amazing God = a book you won't put down until you've finished it.
3539393
This isn't your average literature book nor is it a biography-style writing. Rather, it is like sitting next the author, Jane Carson-Sandler, and hearing her describe the pain inflicted upon her, the damage done, and the strength and faith she found to bring her salvation.  The book sometimes feels a little disjointed - the story of Jane's life moving back and forth in time - but this actually brings out that real-life conversation feeling. Rather than a detached, faraway manner, this book brings Jane's story home and touches the reader in ways that are almost impossible to explain.

Hearing Jane Carson-Sandler on the Pat Walsh Show on the radio, hearing her speak not merely as a victim but a survivor, a strong woman, full of life despite everything, who even found in her the greatness to forgive her attacker, is what motivated me to buy this book and read it. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it away until I've read through it. It is a powerful story of survival, of healing, of overcoming pain and fear.

It is a story about the triumph of faith and the human spirit.

Recommended.
1626650
For everything that Stephanie Nielson has been through, HEAVEN IS HERE is not a tragedy.

This is honestly one of the most inspiring, tear-inducing, heart-wrenching books I've read -- the sort of story I pass around to friends, saying, "Look, you've just got to read this." Acknowledging the story as "incredible" in the subtitle isn't an exaggeration. When all hope seems lost, the Nielsons' faith and family get them through. Though we don't share the same religious views, I couldn't help but sit in awe of the role Stephanie's faith played in her recovery -- but don't let the religious aspects scare you. Regardless of your own religion (or lack thereof), Stephanie has powerful lessons to share.

Once told she might have to have her limbs amputated and would likely never function independently again, Stephanie's recovery proves everyone wrong. After endless surgeries and weeks in the burn unit, her skin begins to heal. She starts to walk again, and then to eat. Even type. Though her appearance is drastically changed, she is here -- and given a second chance. She doesn't take it lightly.

I went into HEAVEN IS HERE with limited expectations. Nielson is a blogger-turned-author, see, and I tend to view those with a skeptical eye. But I've followed Stephanie's journey for years on her website, and I find her to simply be an incredible person. I didn't know if the book would merely be a rehashing of blog posts, but that was not at all the case. I'm very familiar with her story, of course, but it was as if I were reading it all for the first time. In terms of storytelling, I found the plot very well-paced. I never felt bored; in fact, I raced through most of it. I was up until 2 a.m. on work nights, unable to put it down.

Fans of memoirs, tales of tragedy-turned-triumph and those who enjoy inspirational stories with a dash of faith need look beyond HEAVEN IS HERE. Stephanie's raw account of life as she knows it had me in tears, but I ultimately finished the book with an uplifted heart and a desire to never take my own life for granted. The simple things -- like walking, talking, seeing -- aren't always simple. We should all make every day count.
956467
Jed Lindstrom's life story reads like a movie script.  Chance encounters, experiences that almost got him killed, and living on the run from police.  He takes the reader inside his head and heart along his journey to redemption.

There are different aspects of the book that many people can relate to - whether you have struggled with addiction, have a loved one who's struggling, or even if you have been far from God or wondered if God cares, there is something here to encourage you.

It's written in a conversational style with a lot of depth, as Jed reflects on his life and explains what he went through and what God did to rescue him.
I totally recommend it.
2420714
I do not know much about James Agee's personal history, but one wonders whether there was a degree of biography in this profound account of a family torn apart by an untimely death. The time and setting certainly fit with Agee's own upbringing. In any event, he poignantly captures the conflicting emotions of a wife who is trying to cope with the loss of her partner and mate in his prime, and how to reconcile that loss with her strong, self-effacing religious beliefs. The church, or religion in general, is not given a good face in this work, particularly in the guise of the Catholic Father, and in the struggle that Mary undergoes in trying to be strong and suppressing her emotional grief, in the name of that religion. I was appalled by the stern and unforgiving body language and words conveyed by the priest towards the young children who had just been given news of their father's death. His actions and attitudes may be a sign of those times, but the reactions of the children towards the priest, of guilt, shame and conflictedness, when all they should have felt was comfort and consolation, demonstrates the type of stern and unyielding religious arrogance that is at the heart of this story. Obviously, religious conflict had a long and divisive, in some senses unspoken, history in the family profiled here. Those differences exploded after the tragedy occurred. Also, the reactions and feelings of Rufus in particular, and also his younger sister, and his sense of pride and accomplishment in telling of his father's death to his schoolmates, is shocking, yet real. A child cannot adequately come to terms with the finality of death, and perhaps the saddest line in the book is Rufus pondering whether news of his father's death might prompt some of his schoolmates (who he obviously feels intimidated by and fearful of) to share their lunches with him. His reactions are bewildered, and his mother is unable to console him or help him cope with the devastation of his father's death, with she herself struggling with whether to grieve or praise God. This is a very profound work and while parts of it were difficult to access - some of the large parts in italics - the emotion was raw and real. It is a story I will remember for a long time.
3013856
This is a powerful story about how God can use you even when you are going through your worse trials and tribulations. I loved the message in this narrative...
597516
With the sheer will, guts, determination, and sacrifice of his mother throughout his childhood, Max fought and scratched his way out of the slums of NYC, watching out for his litter sister Sophia the best he could. A Harvard graduate, he landed a lucrative job in finance, and by societal standards is living the American dream. But after nursing his mother through cancer and her early death, Max comes to realize that his life is hollow and the dreams he's pursued are not his own. A chance encounter with a shirtless Indian man, impervious to the freezing winter  selling falafel from a cart, sets Max on a new path, with this phrase as his road map:

"So, if there is birth, age, suffering, sorrow, and death, then there must be something that is unborn, un-aging, un-ailing, sorrowless, and deathless - immortal, as it were."

Max sets off to India to find it, to see it face-to-face.

The rest of the story details Max's quest. Karan Bajaj handles a seemingly impossible task beautifully: to enable a reader to experience very personal, first-hand experiences of intense yoga, meditation, glimpses of bliss through the eyes of another.

Everyone who reads this story will come away with different wisdoms, insights, and learnings. I come to this story as a Christian, Universalist, and seeker.

On the one hand, it has strengthen and refined my personal paradigm in ways that are fundamentally different from Max's: that a belief in karma and reincarnation can lead to harmful feelings of inadequacy and superiority; that sex, love, and commitment are inextricably intertwined; devotion to family and friends is not in opposition to our personal journey but the most precious part of one's life tapestry; and a knowledge that we will always be flawed, are loved unconditionally, and Christ as our advocate and mediator brings us fully into the presence of God. In Dying to Be Me, Indian author Anita Morojani presents another, karma-less account of reaching bliss, simply by accepting the unconditional love that is offered to all and living each moment authentically and fearlessly.

On the other hand, there are many wisdoms in this story that I am reaping the benefits from in my daily living and in seeking God. It has drawn me back to my yoga mat, put the seed in my mind of taking a meditation-based retreat one day, renewed my belief in the miraculous and each of us as miracle-workers, and encouraged me to further push the limits in quiet, simple, service-centered living.
3960730
This is a powerful book, deeply felt, sincerely told. I recommend it to any struggling religious person.

Jerry DeWitt was a Pentecostal pastor for twenty-five years. But more than that, he was a failure in life. He lurched from job to job, from pulpit to pulpit. For most years he barely paid his bills. His marriage was usually strained. He didn't seem to know who or what he was. So he became a pastor.

Pentecostalism is strange to most of us, even those of us born and raised in the South. Its high moral tone, its intolerance, its insistence on ecstatic religious experience seems . . . well, odd to those of us in mainstream Protestant communities. But Mr. DeWitt was bred into it. Even when he attended a Jimmy Swaggart revival and was saved, his beloved grandmother told Jerry that it wasn't real unless he spoke in tongues. And so in a short while he began speaking in tongues. Mr. DeWitt went through many conversions, more conversions than he did jobs. Each carried with it an emotional high. He studied under Uber-Pentecostals in Tucson and Des Moines (both with leaders imbued with savior-complexes). He preached at dirt-floor churches, tent revivals, and small communities throughout South Louisiana. Occasionally he had direct revelations from his savior. But still he struggled on.

Mr. DeWitt expected miracles. His god was like something from the Book of Revelation. And when that god didn't deliver enough, Jerry underwent another conversion, to a rabid form of atheism. "I felt born again," he says of his atheistic moment; "it was like a salvation that I stumbled across." In other words, his atheism was just another form of his fundamentalism. "I refuse to describe my embrace of atheism as a loss of faith." Indeed not. The good pastor is quite correct. His atheism was yet another conversion.

I was deeply moved by this book. I learned much from it. You will too. But I encourage such readers to go further and look at Mr. DeWitt's YouTube videos, and I think you will see what I mean by my claims that this atheistic stage is just another phase in the author's religious development, not an end in itself. The videos show a still-vibrant Pentecostal minister, only one now denouncing his former calling and faith. The accent is still there, the gestures the same. But the message is different, though perhaps not as different as the speaker intends. This sort of atheism--one of conviction and power--is hardly an impartial look at faith. It is a faith in itself.

The copy I read was not proofread, and it badly needs that. The cover shows its author looking like a troll: most unflattering. Other sources reveal that he's actually a rather nice looking man. I hope the publishers reconsider and present their book with a more appealing cover design.

Buy this book, my friends. You'll see yourself here, however unattractive the portrait.
2455523
Dont let the size of this book fool you, as it is gigantic in Faith and emotion. It has been a long time since I read an autobiography that has touched me in so many waysright down to my core. The Author has poured her heart and soul into each page, and it took a tremendous amount of courage to write it. You will understand when she says we are not just a physical being, but a spiritual being as well.
You will feel her life pulsating through your fingertips. Mary Pat, by her own admission, says it is not a Nice bookI say it is a truthful one and, sometimes, the two do not meet. No sugar coatings, but there are some Happily Ever-afters. You will gasp at how the Author cast out a demonic spirit in order to save her beloved Daughters life, and this is just a sampling of the heart-wrenching life events where her Faith in Jesus held her steadfast. This volume explodes with a lifenot unlike a handmade quilt, pieced together with snippets of love, friendship, abuse, struggle, heartache, survival and triumph.  Its randomly placed blocks may not resemble a well-known pattern, or make sense to you until you realize the Base Material of everything in your life us our Lord, if you will let him in. Many in our small rural corner of Northeastern Pennsylvania may recognize locations around the Susquehanna and Starrucca areas, as well as some of the people characterized within the pages. Some folks will remember, as I do, that fateful day we learned of Brians demise. He will always be fondly remembered for the fine man he was and for his service to his country. When I finished reading her book, I asked Mary Pat what the small red shoes on the cover represented. I had a feeling that they were for innocence lost. I was partly right. Those small red shoes on the bank are in remembrance of her Brothers Richie and Tommy, as well as her Siblings who seemed to be in her young life one minute and gone the next. But, in addition, and just as important, they represent the assurance that her child would be healed by the footprints near the pond.
If, as you read this, you can find similarities in your own life, where your Faith has helped you throughYou Are Blessed!
Nancy Narma
3854961
The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers follows the story of a young college girl who is raped and finds herself pregnant. Yes, it's intense material and an intense read.

While she struggles with the decision of what to do and her faith, her family struggles and nearly falls apart in the process. This is a hard topic for anyone to discuss and while the novel itself is an excellent read (Rivers is by far one of my favorite authors), I was surprised to find out how close the issue was for the author. When asked which book has been the hardest to write and why, Rivers responded: "The Atonement Child was the most personal and difficult to write because I had to face my own abortion experience. Added to the considerable research I did, and women who shared their experiences with me, I went through an intensive post-traumatic stress Bible study for post-abortive women at our local pregnancy counseling center. Reliving all aspects of my abortion decision and experience was excruciating - but healing. After twenty-six years of being imprisoned by guilt and shame, I was free through the power and love of God. Though the book was the most heart-wrenching to write, it also proved to be the most life changing. I've received countless letters from other post-abortive women and have learned my experience is not unique. Our nation is filled with wounded men and women. The character of Hannah is based on my story, Doug is based on Rick's, and Evie is based on my mother's."

It's an incredible story that is beautifully written. It's honest and doesn't sugar coat how hard a situation like that would be. Whatever your thoughts are about abortion, I think its a story worth reading.
318184
Christian fiction can often be a mixed bag because sound Biblical principles can be lost in the pursuit of a strong narrative. Conversely, too much theology may overwhelm the reader looking for a lighter story. Finding Home strikes a well-constructed balance and locates the reader who searches for timeless principles to be revealed in the context of everyday, relatable characters who have everyday and relatable struggles.

Subsequently, this book makes no pretense about the fact that grace is often best received when a person has given up on themselves and all hope is lost, only to find themselves scooped up by a divine and loving heavenly Father.

The two main characters, John and Alice, essentially serve as the literary vehicles to propel this tale of adversity, loss, heartbreak, and redemption. Birkey has the keen ability to weave the extraordinary in the ordinary and the supernatural into the natural. Resultantly, with a global view of the narrative, you have the capability to visualize how the seemingly innocuous and tragic phenomena of life are intimately linked in order to serve a divine purpose.

The end to this novel is powerful. Surprisingly, at the end of Finding Home, you are left with the answers to some of lifes most arduous questions such as Why do bad things happen to people? and Does a silent God point to an absent God? Certainly you will be inescapably transformed by the realization of the power of God working in and through the lives of real people in Finding Home. This novel gives fuel for faith and hope, and anchors a fixed point of reference to help navigate through dark times and steer past daunting obstacles.

I received a free promotional copy of this book from the author.
3173728
For some reason, I had some difficulty putting this review together. Maybe it's because this story has no characters that you can like or dislike or a plot that you can pick apart. You're peeking into someone's life and this someone just happen to have been a victim of sexual abuse. Debbie Williamson's story is heart wrenching but yet carries a power message; you have to take a stand against abuse in order to break the cycle reclaim your life.

Debbie narrates the story as she takes you through the generation of abuse that engulfed the women and men in her family.  Saying that his book is emotionally charged is an understatement. The author really makes you feel the anger, confusion, sadness and relief in the same waves that she experienced them and it's unclear as to whether it's the writing that helps you to feel this way or the fact that you can empathize with Debbie and what she went through. Another compelling force in the book are the photos of Debbie's family. They really help to bring the story close to home for the readers simply because there are times when reading this book, you think to yourself  "I can't believe that this actually happened". Additionally, the title of the book is also quite fitting since Debbie's story is also a clear testimony to the notion that abuse in whatever form is cyclic and you can either sit by and have the cycle repeat itself or you can take a stand.

Aside from the obvious theme I also found spirituality being significant throughout the book. Debbie constantly makes reference to diary entries where she talks to God. She also credits her spiritual breakthrough and messages from the `other side' for helping her get through her most difficult times.

Though much of the book is heavy and raw, there is a silver lining and Debbie gets her happily ever after. The book serves as an inspiration for women who are currently in abusive relationships, giving them hope that they too can make it out and rebuild their lives.  I am definitely going to pass this on to my girlfriends.
3196588
Unquenchable asks honest questions about disappointment in God and uses illustrations fleshed out from Scripture to look for purpose in suffering. It doesnt try to resolve disillusionment with pat answers, but provides reflections on suffering that draw the reader deeper to the heart of God and to a faith that is unquenchable.
I could not put this book down. It brought a soothing rhythm to the ebb and flow of faith and a reassurance that Gods love for us remains strong when circumstances state otherwise. Carol Kent shares from her own heart-wrenching story as well as that of others who encounter the unthinkable and have to find a new way to carry on with life. She provides steps to feed your faith and to overcome our natural inclination to complain in the midst of strife. She illustrates the importance of tending the fire, in order to have a faith that can step into the unknown and trust that God will be there. Kent reminds us that the Refiners fire is life-giving, though painfully so, and that suffering drives us to our knees, where we can find the secret of wildfire faith.
Get this book! It will be one of your cherished go-to-books in times of despair and for times of growth!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers [...] 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
3824521
I sat down to look at the book and got drawn in to the story so quickly I'd finished it before I knew it. It was a powerful read. The point made by Sr. Helen Prejean in the forward that "no one is beyond the mercy of God" is clearly and irrefutably made by this story of one man's life and death. We are shown the amazing healing transformation that can be brought about by God when one surrenders fully, no matter  that person's history. Thank you to W. Paul Jones for making this story, a wrenching one that is ultimately all about hope (as all stories about God and humans are) available to us. It is a much needed story in these times that can seem so hope-less. If there was anyone who might feel hopeless, it was Clayton Fountain, yet God brought love and healing to his life.
3381821
Once beginning to read this book, I could not put it down.  The author shares his deep pain and rejection at multiple times in his young life in a powerful and poignant manner, yet within the context of ultimate resolution to fulfillment and joy in his life throught the power of forgiveness.  He paints a picture as though in living color of the difficulty in arriving at that position, but the power of the process of doing so to release one from the bondage of woundedness.  This is one of the most compelling and inspiring books I have been privileged to read.  I intend to order copies to be able to give to hurting individuals who have suffered the pain of rejection.  A blessing to anyone who can appreciate a Godly perspective on life.

A pediatrician in private practice
2254330
Fashion Journalist and entrepreneur Lauren (LoLo) Scruggs feels her life is just beginning when a tragic accident changes her forever.  The story of their lives both pre- and post-accident is told from the different perspectives of Lauren, her mother, father, and fraternal twin sister, Brittany.  This style of writing presents a unique "voice" that still is very cohesive, and overall gives a pretty clear picture of their family.

The family's faith in Jesus, even in the midst of severe challenge and trauma is a truly beautiful picture.  They are very real about their feelings and struggles, yet they still choose to cling to God, and trust that He is good.  All the time.

I had no idea I would begin this book only to put it down a few hours later - finished. I could not stop reading - well written, interesting, heartbreaking, and uplifting all at the same time, please get this book right now.  You will be glad you did.

xo
4894706
Painfully raw, powerfully restorative.  Bridgette Hester's life transforming story will reveal the grace and hope God grants those who suffer unexpected tragedy in this world.  Her transparent writing style will make you cry and laugh over the same page.