American Hunter by Willie Robertson and William Doyle

My 7-year-old son was absolutely excited to open the package that revealed this book. He wanted to take it with him everywhere to read. It is a book that is a bit beyond his reading skills because of the length, but he has trudged through with such diligence and has read several pages in this book to his sisters and to his dad and grandpa. He loves being outdoors and target shooting and can't wait for his first hunting expedition. He loves Duck Dynasty and has watched almost every episode and has read their books for kids where you choose your own journey.

I was really impressed by this book. I read a few chapters to my son and enjoyed the stories so much that I would read it to myself if I missed any chapters. There is so much information in the book, but I absolutely loved the stories of some famous American people. I really had no idea a few of them hunted! They never seemed like the type of person to hunt.

This book is definitely written for older kids and adults, but if you have a son who loves the outdoors, then you will create some wonderful memories with them by reading this book out loud. My 5-year-old daughter even sits in and listens. At first she wasn't as enthused because she thought it was more of a boy book. Now she asks to read it every night and loves the stories just as much as my son!

With Christmas coming up, American Hunter would make a great gift to put under the tree or to put in a stocking.

______________

I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A New Season by Al & Lisa Robertson

I, like probably many other Duck Dynasty fans, didn't know much about Al and Lisa. I can't say that now after reading this book. They hold nothing back in these pages and aren't afraid to share the good times, but also the dirty, rotten, bad times. They share their good choices and their bad choices. This is their life and although it's rough, it's beautiful. You can clearly see God's hand guiding them even at a young age and taking what was bad and turning it into something beautiful.

I appreciate their honesty. Most people try to hide things and like to give people the persona that their marriages/lives are perfect. However, because Al and Lisa didn't do that, I strongly believe this book will be used to help heal many marriages and to guide many young people back to Christ. Many others have a similar story, but are too afraid to share. I think this will empower others to know that Christ forgives and uses what's bad for good.

This book isn't "preachy." God and faith is so entwined in their lives that it's obviously a huge factor and mentioned, but at no point does the reader feel hopeless. In fact, I think that by their honesty sharing, you feel a big sense of hope for any situation. When they say most people think they can't relate to others, I must admit I had thought the same. They then follow that up with, as soon as they hear our story, they realize theirs isn't as bad! These are two people who know what forgiveness is and how to offer it. It's so neat to see how God has redeemed the time they lost on bad choices and given them a second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. chance to help others.

___________________________

I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Taylor's Gift by Todd and Tara Storch

Life seemed to be going great for the Storch family.  It was just another vacation that was supposed to be full of wonderful memories.  Instead, their life was turned upside down in an instant.  Those wonderful memories are still there, but it's also hidden by the nightmare that they lived through on that day in March of 2010.  At only 13 years old, Taylor had so much life yet to live.  However, a horrible ski accident left her family having to make choices that no parent wants to make for their child.  Taylor still lives on, though, because of the choices that her family made.

I cried while reading this book and was amazed with how they deal with the day-to-day.  As a mom, losing a child is truly something I fear.  I appreciated their honesty and how they aren't afraid to discuss the events of that day, even though I'm sure the thoughts still hold much sadness and their grief is still very much real.

I liked the aspect of this book.  It raises awareness about organ donation, something we often don't think about until our families are left to make the decision for us.  Taylor's life saved 5 other people's lives.  You can't help but feel the thankfulness and the joy of the recipients of her organs, all the while still grieving over the life of this young girl.  As much as this story is about death, it's also so much about hope and life and giving. 

______________

I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend by Colin Duriez

Tolkien is probably most famous for The Lord of the Ring series.  I would be one person who has heard a lot about this series, but have never read it or seen it.  However, just because it's not my favorite genre to read, I still respect Tolkien and how brilliant he was.

I was expecting this book to read just like every other biography, but I was wrong.  This book tells a story.  It takes you back to the world of some other great and well-known writers.  I was fascinated by his life story.  I did not realize how difficult his life had been and just how much he had overcame.

I was saddened by how his brother became orphans and was a little surprised at the illness from which his mother died.  Even though I didn't know the characters in his book, I still liked learning how he formed his characters and in some cases, who was the inspiration behind certain ones. 

Having not read any biographies on Tolkien besides this one, I would dare say that this in one that any Tolkien fan should read.  It's easy to read but very intriguing, which surprised me.

__________

I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Hope Unseen by Captain Scotty Smiley

It is hard to capture my entire thoughts on this book.  I would be saddened one moment and then hopeful and then would bust out laughing.  It's been a while since a book took me on such a roller coaster ride!

Captain Scotty Smiley is an inspiration to all.  I had just read something in my Bible study a few days ago about how our health may not be the blessing God gives us.  Maybe the blessing is having a righteous character through our bad health.  I read that right before I got this book and I think that sums up Smiley quite well.  He struggled with God, as most would do when going through a trial, but he realized God didn't leave him.  He still kept his righteous character and knows that God has a purpose and a reason for him to be blind.

I found the stories he told quite fascinating, but I teared up when he talked about not seeing his children.  I had never really thought about how being blind would mean that you couldn't see them.  I'm not for sure why that never crossed my mind, but it didn't.  I was sad for him in that regard but I absolutely loved how he said that he would "see" them in heaven one day and that the Lord's face would be the first one he saw.  That was so beautiful and such a testament to his strong faith.

I really enjoyed the humorous stories that were placed throughout this book, as well.  He has a way of making situations not seem so bad because of his humor.  I loved the visual I got from the story he told about his wife and him watching television and her trying to describe it to him.  I also liked the one where she had to try to name the famous sports people in the room with them.  Being a woman, I know that is a task that isn't easy to do for most girls.

This book needs to be read by all.  It's an encouragement for those who can't seem to find their way out of despair and want to give up.  It's an eye-opener for those who haven't fought in the war on terror and are for the most part, oblivious to what they are seeing over there.  It's a reminder for believers to pray for their safety and for their families daily.

_________________

I received this book from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Son of the Underground by Isaac Liu with Albrecht Kaul

I was really excited to read this book because my mother-in-law had let me borrow The Heavenly Man two years ago and I loved it.  I recommended it to so many people because I don't think many Americans have a clue about what life is like for Christians in other countries.  Not only that, I think many Americans think that God is believed in half-heartily in other countries, as many "Christians" do so in America.  With that said, that book left some questions for me.  I had questions, such as, what do his children think about him being gone all the time and putting Christ first?  How could he have influenced them in their lives if he was gone?  How did his wife handle all of the persecution (which the book touched on a little, but I wanted to know more)?  At any point, did they ever want to throw up their hands and say "this just isn't worth it?"

When I saw this book come up as a review choice, I immediately filled out the form and awaited its arrival.  I was curious to know, from his son's perspective, how his dad influenced his life.  Did he ever face persecution and did he love Jesus as much as his dad?  Enough to give it all?

This book is short and can easily be read in a day (probably even a half of a day, with no distractions).  That was refreshing in itself.  Sometimes the best books say what needs to be said and then they end it.  Throughout the pages, Isaac talks about the persecution he faces on behalf of his dad's name, how they had to change their names, their homes, and ultimately their lives to escape a sure death.  He shares with the readers that yes, at times, he didn't want to believe in God.  He didn't want to accept what God was calling him to do for the rest of his life, either.  He talks about how he didn't want to be known as Brother Yun's son...he had his own life and wanted his own name. 

Towards the end, he discusses their escape from China, the miracles God worked for them to get out of China, and finally ends with his deep love and deep desire to one day return to China and reach many Chinese communities for Christ.  This is a book that all Christians need to read.  Not only so they can become more aware of what is happening in China (and many other countries), but also so we know how to better pray for them.  What a wonderful testimony of God's hand working in their lives!

_____________________

I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.

Redemption: A Rebellious Spirit, a Praying Mother, and the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold by Bryan Clay

I love reading books about Olympic athletes.  Their dedication to the sport amazes me and usually their stories are quite inspiring.  Many have overcome problems, addictions, and doubts to become some of the top leaders in their sport.  Another reason I like these type of books so much is because I get to know the athlete before the Olympics start.  Once I see them on tv, I feel like I know them and their story and want them to win even more!

Redemption was such a wonderful story of Bryan Clay who is an Olympic champion decathlete.  Bryan didn't live an easy life as he was growing up.  He grew up as way too many people have, experiencing things that little kids shouldn't have to experience.  These circumstances led him to behaviors that classified him as an at-risk teen who stayed in trouble and was known for rebelling.

Only one thing could possibly keep Bryan out of trouble and that was track and field.  He worked hard at it and it became a way for him to seek God and God was able to teach him many lessons.  His mother got to see her prayers answered when he surrendered it all to Christ and began living for Him.

This book is honest and Bryan doesn't shy away from the things that he has seen or been a part of while growing up.  I'm glad he doesn't.  I'm glad he's honest because I think that so many people need to hear his story.  It's definitely one I'm planning to share with my at-risk youth that I work with.

_____________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”