Booksneeze Book Review: 'Fasting' by Scott Mcknight

Publishers' Book Description:
Building a body and mind that hungers for God.

Is the practice of faith centered solely on the spirit? Is the body an enemy, or can it actually play a role in our pursuit of God? In this installation of the Ancient Practices Series, Dr. Scot McKnight reconnects the spiritual and the physical through the discipline of fasting.

The act of fasting, he says, should not be focused on results or used as a manipulative tool. It is a practice to be used in response to sacred moments, just as it has in the lives of God's people throughout history. McKnight gives us scriptural accounts of fasting, along with practical wisdom on benefits and pitfalls, when we should fast, and what happens to our bodies as a result.

For those who have wondered how to grasp the value of this most misunderstood ancient practice, this book is a comprehensive guide.

A volume in the eight book classic series, The Ancient Practices, with a foreword by Phyllis Tickle, General Editor.

I wanted to like this book.  No, I wanted to love this book. It sounded absolutely fascinating to me and I couldn't wait to read it. My husband also wanted to read it and kept asking me to hurry up so it would be 'his turn'. Finally, this books' ticket came up and I dove in, eager to soak up everything Scott Mcknight had to offer. I gave up about halfway through - and my husband lasted about 40 pages. Neither one of us could finish it - although my husband says he may try again.

The book, to be perfectly honest, was one of the most dry, repetitive, and redundant books I've ever read. It had all of the potential in the world and it fell way short of expectations. It was very critical of the modern perceptions and treatment of fasting and, while I agreed with a good chunk of his positions, it came across as quite negative sometimes. That's not the feeling I would think you'd generally be going for when you're writing about something as spiritual in nature as this. Mr Mcknight also tended to repeat the same subject matter over and over in each chapter, adding very little new information - just re-formatting and repeating what had already been said. My opinion is that people could understand the main viewpoint from the book in the 2 page conclusion at the end.

As much as it pains me to write a bad review (and, I assure you, it does pain me), I can't help but be honest with you. I think this book is one that can be skipped. Now, in the spirit of full disclosure, I must tell you that according to the reviews on Amazon.com - I'm in the minority when it comes to my opinions on this book. As of the time this post is being written, 'Fasting' has 4 stars with 67 reviews.

What can I say? I've never been one that goes along with the crowd...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Booksneeze Book Review: The Secrets Beneath by Kathleen Fuller

Well, due to some family situations - and the Thanksgiving holiday - I'm running a little bit late on this review. Nonetheless, here it is. I hope you enjoy it!

Publisher's Book Description:
Rebekah Yoder loves a good mystery—that is, until she becomes a part of one.

Rebekah Yoder has always been curious . . . or nosy depending on whom you ask. When a Yankee stranger moves into the house next door, she’s fascinated. Who is this strange old man who never waves or smiles? When Bekah sees him digging holes in his back yard, she’s sure there is a case to be solved.

Unfortunately, when her cousin blabs the story to the whole school, rumors fly. Is he hiding something? Treasure? Victims? And worst of all, annoying Caleb Mullet is now determined to solve the mystery with her. What they don’t realize is there’s not just secrecy lurking next door—there’s danger. Will Bekah take her curiosity too far?

Readers will love journeying with Bekah Yoder as they learn the danger of gossip, the importance of prayer, and the real story of The Secrets Beneath.

Rebekah Yoder is an extremely inquisitive 13 year old Amish girl in Middlefield, OH. She's a Nancy Drew fan, and in her mind everything has the potential to become a mystery that needs to be solved. Caleb, the boy next door, loves spying as much as Bekah. He also likes to pick on her. The house next door to her has been empty for some time, but now she has a new neighbor - a grumpy old man that buries things in his backyard at night. Bekah has a mystery on her hands and she's determined to solve it.

Her cousin, Amanda, has come to stay with the family from Paradise, PA under quite mysterious circumstances. Amanda is sullen and anti-social and Bekah just doesn't understand why no one will tell her what's going on! While Caleb and Bekah spy on the neighbor, Amanda starts to take an interest as well. But what they don't realize is that what's going on next door isn't just a mystery - it's dangerous.

Despite numerous warnings from family, friends, and even the grumpy new neighbor to stay away and mind their own business, the trio continue to push their luck. One day everything comes to a head and Bekah finds herself in a dangerous situation. Will help come in time? Amanda watches helplessly and learns a valuable lesson: sometimes all you can do is pray for the right outcome.

I enjoyed this book - it was simply written, as it is really a Young Adult book. It was a quick read and fairly entertaining. The characters were fun and very well written - I especially enjoyed Caleb's character.

What I didn't like were the fictional settings. There are plenty of Amish communities - why make one up? It's not really a big deal, I just didn't understand the reasoning. Also, the author used Amish words throughout the book in place of 'normal' words like Mom, Dad, Uncle, etc. I admired the intent, but I found it distracting - especially in the beginning when I kept having to stop reading to look up a word. Also, while I enjoyed the Amish slant it really wasn't a big part of the book. There wasn't a lot of Amish culture or 'education' in the book it was just a girl and her family and 'Oh, FYI, they happen to be Amish'. I wish it had been a little more prominent in the story as I find it very interesting.

All in all, I'd give it 4 out of 5. I enjoyed it and I may see if Ms. Fuller's other books are at my local library.

If you are interested in purchasing the book, you can find it at this link on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Next Book Review: ' The Secrets Beneath' by Kathleen Fuller

Publisher's Book Description:
Rebekah Yoder loves a good mystery—that is, until she becomes a part of one.

Rebekah Yoder has always been curious . . . or nosy depending on whom you ask. When a Yankee stranger moves into the house next door, she’s fascinated. Who is this strange old man who never waves or smiles? When Bekah sees him digging holes in his back yard, she’s sure there is a case to be solved.

Unfortunately, when her cousin blabs the story to the whole school, rumors fly. Is he hiding something? Treasure? Victims? And worst of all, annoying Caleb Mullet is now determined to solve the mystery with her. What they don’t realize is there’s not just secrecy lurking next door—there’s danger. Will Bekah take her curiosity too far?

Readers will love journeying with Bekah Yoder as they learn the danger of gossip, the importance of prayer, and the real story of The Secrets Beneath.

I finished reading this book yesterday and am working on my review. I'm hoping to have the review up tomorrow or Wednesday. Great book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Booksneeze Book Review - 'Heaven is for Real' by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Publishers' Book Description:
A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.

Told by the father but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready there is a coming last battle.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Honestly, sometimes these books end up being either preachy or corny. This one was neither. It was honest, real, and touching. I was fully expecting a dramatic grab-a-box-of-tissues kind of book, but it really wasn't like that. I honestly have a hard time putting my feelings about this book into words. It was just amazing. Nothing I write here could possibly do it justice.

Colton Burpo, 2 months shy of his 4th birthday, has to have an emergency appendectomy because his appendix exploded. His life is literally hanging by a thread as he goes into surgery and doctors don't give the Burpo family much hope that Colton will be ok. After a truly amazing turn of events, Colton makes a complete recovery slightly less than 3 weeks after his surgery. Six months later he starts talking about seeing Jesus in Heaven.

To be frank, it's not the details of Heaven, God, or Jesus that are so amazing. I think we all know that almost-4-year-olds aren't generally all that great at giving detailed descriptions, although some of his descriptions were very impressive. It was more the very matter-of-fact way he gave his details; His absolute steadfastness in his statements that are so compelling. The fact that some of the things he says so perfectly align with intricate Bible descriptions of God, Jesus and Heaven, to me, are evidence that he's seen something. And I believe he saw what he says he saw. But from a parents' perspective, to imagine having your child tell you he's seen Heaven, sat on Jesus' lap and had conversations with his sister that was miscarried - and that you didn't know was a girl... mind-blowing. Truly mind-blowing.

I also loved how the book was written. Very conversational and easy - almost as if you are sitting over coffee with your friend and they just start telling you this amazing experience they've had. You're completely in awe and just want to hear more. It had a lovely, enjoyable rhythm to the writing and I finished it in about 3.5 hours. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. I may even read through it again, I just loved it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Next Book Review: 'Heaven is for Real'

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back
By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent
Published by Thomas Nelson

Publishers' Book Description:
A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.

Told by the father but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready there is a coming last battle.


I'm really excited for this one!

Booksneeze Book Review - 'Outlive Your Life' by Max Lucado

Publishers' Book Description:
These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.


Where do I begin? I have mixed feelings about this book, to be honest with you. The overall message was wonderful: have compassion for others - particularly those that are having a rough time, serve others, and get down off your high horse. All things that most of us can agree on. I appreciated his strong reminder that we are REQUIRED by God to help the less fortunate. That compassion and service are not optional. I also appreciated that he put that call to action into perspective: "None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone." Such a simple and obvious thing to say, but it makes the task so much less daunting.

I also REALLY liked the way he took Bible stories and made them come to life. You can tell that he can really see these stories when he reads them - he can visualize the conversations, the emotions, the settings. It was actually very inspiring to me. Others didn't like that he took so much literary liberty with these stories, but I actually feel it was beneficial. His easy writing style made for a relaxing read.

There were, however, several things I did NOT like his book. I didn't like the Bible passages being quoted from several different Bible translations. It made them seem choppy and less genuine; like when one translation didn't say what he wanted it to say, he just used a different one. I don't like the pick and choose mentality that this seemed to portray (at least to me). I also didn't like his paragraph long prayers at the end of each chapter. While I appreciate the thought, it came across as showy instead of humbling. Also, while the message of the book was to help and serve those less fortunate, at times his suggestions and stories seemed to border on 'social justice' type theory and I didn't appreciate that - although I do admit that I could just be acting a bit too sensitive.

All in all, I enjoyed reading the book. It was enjoyable enough for me that I will probably pick up another Max Lucado book or two.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”