Women in Science by Rachel Ignotofsky

To a lot of kids, science is booooooooring. It's something they do because they have to, and definitely not something that's enjoyable or inspiring. I hated science in school. I mean, some of it fascinated me, but it all seemed hard and undoable and nothing I ever really wanted to invest time in. Besides, girls weren't exactly encouraged to pursue anything related to science.

Fast-forward to now: I have a daughter who loves science. She really does! She'll be doing her science for the day and get excited about something she just read and start telling me about it. I'm thrilled that she loves it, and I want to encourage her, but I can't help it: the technical terms and facts make me glaze over. But I try. I really do! I want my other kids to love science, too. Science, after all, is a subject that causes an awareness of the awesomeness of God like no other!

For that reason, and because I'm a homeschool mom, nonfiction books, especially those that look interesting, grab my attention.

This book didn't disappoint! The cover art and colorful, quirky illustrations on every page made this book a joy to read. It's beautiful! The info presented is done so in a matter that holds interest. It doesn't drag. There is a timeline, list of lab tools, graphs, glossary of terms, and links to provide further info on the amazing women who "star" in this book and their work. I had never heard of most of the women, and I was absolutely amazed at what they accomplished, especially considering the hardships and discrimination they faced.

I highly recommend this book! It might just inspire your girl to get more interested in science!

5 out of 5 stars.

Read more about Women in Science, 50 Fearless Pioneers who Changed the World" here.

The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by James L. Rubart

Some books merely entertain; some leave a deep impression. This is one of the latter. The Long Journey to Jake Palmer touched on some painful areas for me, but applied a balm afterward. This story is packed with feeling that goes right to the heart of the reader! Humor was present as well, and it wasn't cheesy or forced. There were suspenseful moments and surprising twists, and the characters were developed well. (Don't we all know a Camille!? Yeesh!) The story, while told rather slowly, wasn't dull. This is a book you can curl up and escape into. I look forward to reading other books by this author!

It's so easy to read others' labels while entirely missing what our own label says. It's easy to hide in our bottles and never be our true selves...never find the freedom that Christ offers. But it's time to change that. It's never too late.

4 out of 5 stars from me.

Read more about the book here. 
Read more about the author here. 

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The Spiritual Warfare Answer Book by Dr. David Jeremiah

This little book packs a punch! The cover is beautiful, and though small enough to stick into a purse or backpack, the volume feels satisfyingly weighty in your hands. Split into categories like "Terms of Engagement", "Behind Enemy Lines", and "God's Armory", topics such as being called into battle, being a courageous warrior, Satan's origin and strategies, and prayer are covered in a brief, easy-to-read manner. The Spiritual Warfare Answer Book is simple enough for my older children to read, but deep enough to cause me to think more about topics I might have brushed over in the past. I appreciate what I've learned from the book. It was a truly enjoyable read and I highly recommend it! 

Read more about the book here.  Read more bout Dr. David Jeremiah here.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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How May We Hate You? Notes from the Concierge Desk, by Anna Drezen and Todd Dakotah Briscoe

I thought I'd try something different this time when choosing which book to review, and...I messed up. I knew this was tongue in cheek comedy, but I wasn't expecting so much language and crudeness. I didn't even finish it, but I will share some info.

 The book is beautifully bound, with a surprising, humorous twist. Parts of the book are definitely funny, but the snark was a bit much, and the crudeness and bad language wasn't funny. If you have to be crude and offensive to make people laugh, you may be hanging out with middle schoolers. It really isn't necessary. Also, making fun of someone's faith is distasteful, to say the least. 

There are some genuinely helpful tips if you are a world traveler, and I suppose that this book will appeal mainly to people of that group anyway. 

So, all in all, How May We Hate You was a disappointment. I don't recommend it. 

1 out 5 stars.

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. 

Subversive Jesus, by Craig Greenfield

Recently, I've been more stirred (bothered, challenged, what have you...) by the realization of how little we actually do to help the poor and needy. We read the Bible, we profess to love Jesus and strive to be like Him, but we fail in this vital area. In Subversive Jesus, an Adventure in Justice, Mercy, & Faithfulness in a Broken World, Craig Greenfield relates how he and his family and friends made drastic changes in their lives in order to better minister to this neglected group of people. 

While the stories in this book were touching, convicting, and sometimes humorous, I was a bit turned off by the author's attitude. (Or, the attitude he seemed to me to have.) He thumbed his nose at earnest people who work with ministries that offer food and gifts to the homeless and those in poor neighborhoods, even going so far as to say that he is embarrassed by them. While handing out scarves and gloves to the homeless might not have the same affect as living among them, it is still a ministry, and those who take part shouldn't be made fun of. 

While I didn't entirely agree with the author's views, I do admire what he and his friends are doing, and I am convicted to study into what he wrote. 

This is from the back copy of Subversive Jesus:

A broken world demands a response. 
 
Subversive Jesus is the story of one family's experiment in putting the most counter-cultural teachings of Christ into practice. When Jesus says invite the poor for a meal, Craig and his family welcome homeless friends, local crack addicts, and women from the street corner over for dinner. When Jesus proclaims freedom for the captive, they organize Pirates of Justice flash mobs to protest cruise ship exploitation. When Jesus teaches love for enemies, they make homemade cookies and lemonade for the local drug dealers, and none of them show up! This adventure takes Craig's family from the slums of Cambodia to inner city Canada and back again. 

You might think that Jesus' most subversive teachings should be systematically laid out in a theological textbook. With plenty of dull footnotes. But Jesus knows well that we are people of story and grit. We need to see theological ideas in messy human form so they can spark something real in our imagination. We need to see other people screw up so we can laugh or weep and then imagine that we might dare to risk failure too.

Allow their journey to inspire your own. Allow Jesus to subvert what you think you already know. And you'll find that this book becomes an invitation to say yes to this subversive Jesus and do something courageous with your life - for the sake of justice, mercy, and faithfulness in a broken world. 

About the Author: 

Craig is the founder and director of Alongsiders International (alongsiders.org) - a fast-growing movement mobilizing and equipping thousands of young Christians in the developing world to walk alongside those who walk alone - orphans and vulnerable children in their own communities. 

During more than 15 years living and ministering in slums and inner cities in Asia and North America, Craig has established a number of initiatives to care for vulnerable kids and orphans, as well as formed Christian communities for those marginalized by society. 

For 8 years, Craig served as the International Coordinator of Servants, a ministry within the slums of Asia. His postgraduate research in International Development led to the publication of his first book, The Urban Halo: a story of hope for orphans of the poor. Craig's second book, Subversive Jesus, will be published by Zondervan in 2016.

For more info visit Craig's website: craiggreenfield.com

This book gets 3 out of 5 stars from me. 

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. 

The League and The Lantern, by Brian Wells (Review and Giveaway)

This Giveaway has ended. Congrats to: Vonnie Warden! 

Youth fiction that is interesting, attention-keeping, and enjoyable to read but still free of violence and "muck" is hard to find. I was excited about the chance for my teen to be able to review The League and The Lantern! She devoured it, and I heard her laugh more than once while reading it. Here's a big plus: she loves history, and history played a big part in this book! Here is what my daughter had to say:

"I really loved this book! It had humor and suspense. It also contained a lot of history about my favorite president, Abe Lincoln. It's a little hard to understand at first, but as you keep reading things start to piece together. I really enjoyed this book and think it would make a great movie." 

More about the book: 

AFTER A DISASTROUS SIXTH GRADE, Jake Herndon is anxiously awaiting his Big Do-Over, starting with his new school's notorious seventh grade sleepover. Awkward team-building games and forced fun quickly become the least of his problems, however, when a dangerous organization invades and the night takes a shocking turn. Jake and two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, barely escape, only to find themselves in a fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. Over the next 48 hours they unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War and an incredible secret about Jake s family. 

Full of unforgettable characters and unexpected twists, The League and the Lantern is a jaw-dropping ride of mind-bending revelations and laugh-out-loud humor. If Jake and his new friends can make it through this weekend, they just might have a shot at seventh grade. 

In this debut novel, family television executive producer and dad Brian Wells has created an epic, rip-roaring comedy adventure that s also about courage, family and friendship. The result is an engaging mix of great characters, crackling wit and unexpected twists that 9- to 14-year-olds, entertainment executives and family groups are applauding. 

Wells works from the belief that great entertainment is driven by memorable characters and imaginative writing, and it shows. The League and The Lantern delivers all of this and more without objectionable language or inappropriate themes. Throw in a plot that traces back to real historical figures and you ve got what some are calling Percy Jackson meets National Treasure. 

As an extra bonus, the book also invisibly weaves in 140 of the top vocabulary words for middle school success. A free downloadable study guide is available on the book's website.

Author: Brian Wells

• A concerned dad who couldn’t find quality entertainment for his kids. He has worked and produced 15 TV movies for the major networks, and this is his book debut. 

Synopsis:

The League and the Lantern is the first book in a new adventure series for middle-school readers. It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.

Talking Points: 

• Inspires reading - Adventure series your kids will want to read.
• Educational Value - 140 key vocabulary words hidden throughout the story, historic sites are part of the setting.
• Moral Value - Lessons in family, friendship, mercy and compassion. Lead characters are friends who are different races. 
• Help Kids - Operates on a buy one - give one campaign to get books into the hands of kids who cannot afford their own copies. 

Official Website: 

• LeagueAndLantern.com

Here's the great part: 

One of YOU will win a copy of The League and The Lantern! 

Simply comment below this post or on my Facebook page letting me know that you would like to be entered into the drawing. Don't forget to share the giveaway! :)  The giveaway will close on Tuesday, May 24, at midnight. 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

If I Run

Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they’ve failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up.

Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

Casey is an intriguing character. Smart--too wise for her years, and yet so innocent. She comes from a heartbreaking background, and her search for justice has only put her life and the lives of her friends and family in danger. She's on the run for her life, but still cares about what happens to those around her more than she cares for herself. She's in a hopeless situation; there seems to be no way out. 

~From the blurb for If I Run

Casey is an intriguing character. Young and innocent, yet wise beyond her years and tough as nails. Mostly. Her search for justice for her father has put her life, and the lives of her friends and family in danger. Even while running, her concern is for others, and she risks her life and her cover for a total stranger. Everything looks hopeless--for her, for the person she's trying to help, for her family.... 

If I Run met my expectations, and although not as good as some of Terri Blackstock's other offerings such as the Restoration Series, it's still an exciting read, and I look forward to the rest of the series. 

Terri Blackstock is my favorite author for several reasons: 

• Her books are never boring. 

• Her stories don't include vulgarity or inappropriate situations. She doesn't get as close to "unacceptable" as she can. 

• She manages to tackle many pressing questions and spiritual topics, but it's never cheesy or forced. 

• Her books, unlike many, truly deserve to be called "Christian Fiction". 

• I love that my teenagers can read enjoy these books, and I don't have to worry about what they are reading. 

• Did I mention that her books are NEVER boring? ;) 

4 out of 5 stars from me. 


I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Little Felted Dogs, Easy Projects for Making Adorable Pups

 I don't know anything about felting, but I love felted items and these little pups are just the cutest thing ever! I wanted to wait until we could get the supplies to actually try making one of these little guys, but we weren't able to do that yet. My daughter is great at miniature things like this, and I'm anxious for her to try her hand at these!

This is such a pretty little book, and the photos are excellent. The book includes information on needle felting basics and essential tools, a wool guide, tips on working with wool, and other tips and techniques. Clear instructions and helpful diagrams are included for every dog.

Little Felted Dogs  is a perfect gift for the crafter in your life! 

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The Bee-friendly Garden

When it comes to gardening, I am ignorant. Completely and totally. Still, I know how crucial bees are to gardens, and to life itself, but how can they be encouraged to hang out in a garden? What draws them...or repels them? In The Bee-friendly Garden, the benefits of bees and helpful tips on how to draw them to your garden space are laid out in beautiful detail. 

I learned quite a few interesting tidbits about these amazing creatures from this book! There is so much useful info packed in this book. The life cycles of bees, types of bees, what they need to survive, types of plants that attract them....  

In addition to how-to's for creating a bee-friendly space is a regional plant list, and info on how to become a "bee activist". Suggestions on which plants, flowers, vegetables, and trees work best, to building nesting areas--it's all here! 

5 out of 5 stars. 

NKJV Study Bible For Kids

Colorful, fun, engaging...this Bible has everything! There's a fine line between being appealing to kids and being too "childish". Thomas Nelson found that balance. My 10-year-old daughter, who I thought would think this Bible more suitable for her younger brother, surprised me by snapping it up and making it "hers". (Her brother loved it so much that I got one for him for Christmas.)

Although I prefer leather-like covers to hardback, it didn't seem to bother my kids at all; I like the idea that the hardback will hold up a little longer. I like that the Scripture references are on the edge of the pages, making it easier for the kids to thumb through and find what they're looking for. The features throughout the Bible include book introductions, timelines, maps, personality profiles,  articles, and other helps that bring ideas of the passage to life, and assist the reader in applying truths to current circumstances in their lives. In the back is a list of book abbreviations, dictionary-concordance and an index of articles.

Although I prefer the ESV version for daily reading, this Bible works just great for my kiddos, and that's good enough for me.

5 out of 5 stars.



I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. The opinions stated are my own. 

apartment therapy, complete + happy home

Interior decorating books are particularly interesting to me now, as my husband and I dream of finally buying our own home. Honestly, my decorating style is so eclectic that I don't even know what it is. I've gone from the brass sconces with ivy swags and floral curtains to vintage/retro to a version of the Good Luck Charlie house. And when we move, I don't know which direction to go! I am fairly confident, however, that I will not be going back to the 90's look.

A hefty book, apartment therapy, is gorgeously bound. This book will be displayed prominently. (I have a book addiction; decorating with them helps to justify that.) Open the cover, and get ready for a lot more pretty...but not just that. apartment therapy isn't just pleasing to look at: this book is packed with info. From explanations of house styles to defining light sources, there was far more here in practicality than I expected.

Sections on choosing and setting up your home, and living in and maintaining your space are further organized by type such as finishing touches and rooms, and presented in such a fun way. I love the section on color, (pg. 31) and who doesn't need a better idea of how a "fairy-tale living room" (p. 109) differs from "the scandinavian living room"?  (p. 110) 

This one was a real winner for me. I highly recommend apartment therapy,  whether or not you are actually planning on a new home, redecorating or just need something to curl up with and read while you sip your coffee. 

5 out of 5 stars from me. 

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Fletch Adventures!

Who doesn't love loggerhead sea turtles? What's not to love? Keep reading to find out how one mom is using one of these special creatures to teach children about the environment.

Everyone loves the beach. The beauty, the serenity of the ocean.... But keeping it beautiful is our job. Litter is more than a pet peeve or an eyesore. It can be dangerous. I can't bring myself to watch videos of what our careless acts do to marine life, and honestly, I don't want my kids to see it. But I do want them to be aware of it, and to know what they can do to solve the problem. Enter Fletch! Fletch is a loggerhead sea turtle who shows a young girl, Tierney, "the importance of keeping the beach and ocean clean during a day filled with fun, friendships and surprises."

The story of Fletch's Adventures comes in two formats: a chapter book, aimed at ages 6-11, and a picture book for smaller kiddos. The illustrations are fun and colorful, and the text very easy to read. My 10-year-old daughter, who is a reluctant reader, read the whole book in about an hour. That's a record for her, I think!  In the back of the each book is a certificate, with a place to write your child's name, awarded for "pledging to 'Keep it Clean' and to be a voice for all animals by encouraging others to do the same." It's signed by Fletch "himself". ;)

You can find out more about the books and order them here: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fletchadventures/?fref=ts
Website: http://www.fletchadventures.com

At the website, you'll also find some really cute stuff to go along with the books, like t-shirts and temporary tattoos! (My son is sporting a tattoo right now.)

About the author: 

Fletch Adventures was written by Jennifer Cochran, an environmental educator that saw a need for a book with a true conservation message that was still fun for kids to enjoy. Jennifer lives in South Florida with her husband, Lee and her daughter, Madison. Jennifer is active in environmental, conservation & wildlife education throughout South Florida.

"I truly hope you enjoy these books as much as I have enjoyed creating them!"...

Jennifer Cochran

About the Illustrator: 

"Robert Schilling is a freelance illustrator based in Florida. Robert studied at The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, where he practiced more traditional techniques of art and started to develop his style. Soon after he attended FZD School of Design in Singapore, where he learned the process of designing for games and film. Currently he's back in the states and works as a freelancer, working on projects that span from board games to children's books."

To check out more of Robbie's work go to http://schillingconcepts.blogspot.com/

A BIG thank you to Jennifer Cochran for sending me the books to review! 

52 Little Lessons from a Christmas Carol, by Bob Welch

I reviewed 52 Little Life Lessons from Les Miserable, and I loved it! I had already planned to buy 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol, so I was excited to see it on the list of titles up for review. I wasn't disappointed by this little book!

Bob Welch takes a story already filled with meaning and makes it even more meaningful. In each chapter, an excerpt is given, along with a scriptural tie-in, which I found especially helpful. One thing I enjoy about this author is his sense of humor. This is an easy, enjoyable, inspiring and fun read. I highly recommend this book, and I'm eager to read more from this author.

5 out of 5 stars.

More info: 

Gold Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels of all time, A Christmas Carol. 

• “For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.”
• “No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused.”
• “God bless us, every one.”

The lessons and stories from the beloved novel A Christmas Carol point to bedrock values we all share. Award-winning author Bob Welch takes readers deeper into the nuances of this classic by Charles Dickens. From the miserliness of Scrooge to the innocence of Tiny Tim, 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol will inspire readers to live for what really matters, not only at Christmas, but all year long.

About the Author:

Bob Welch is the author of 12 books, an award-winning columnist, a speaker, and an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Oregon in Eugene. His articles have been published in inspirational books, including the popular “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series.

224 pages, hardcover. 

Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for my free review copy, received in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The Time Garden, a Magical Journey, by Daria Song

Adult coloring books are all the rage right now, and why not? Coloring is fun and helps to relieve stress. It's about time that someone designed some coloring books for us "big kids". ;) The Time Garden is marketed to middle school aged children and up, but is perfectly suitable for kids and adults of all ages. It is exquisitely  done! The dust jacket is actually like a heavy duty coloring page, with beautiful, metallic text and scattered metallic leaves. The story, explained in more detail below, is what you make of it, which is nice, and stirs the rusty imagination.

I wasn't drawn to a lot of the pages, unfortunately. While some were imaginative, very detailed,  and "artsy", others were rather sparse and seemed monotonous to color. This was a disappointment, but I still enjoy the book. The Time Garden would make a great gift, especially for patients in the hospital, those who are home bound, or for anyone. 

This book gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.

More about the book:

A dazzlingly beautiful coloring book for all ages, The Time Garden will sweep you away into a whimsical cuckoo clock–inspired world, created in intricate pen and ink by the internationally best-selling Korean artist Daria Song. 

Journey through the doors of a mysterious cuckoo clock into its inky innerworkings to discover a magical land of clock gears, rooftops, starry skies, and giant flying owls—all ready for you to customize with whatever colors you can dream up.

Cuckoo . . . cuckoo . . . cuckoo . . . When the clock strikes midnight, you’ll wonder, was it all a dream?

The Time Garden features extra-thick craft paper, ideal for non bleed-through coloring, and the jacketed cover with flaps is removable and colorable. Special gold-foil stamping on the cover and spine and a To/From page make it perfect for gifting to adults and kids alike.

Then, explore the magical world outside the clock through the eyes of a fairy in the sequel, The Time Chamber: A Magical Story and Coloring Book! 

Paperback
Published by Watson-Guptill
Sep 01, 2015 | 80 Pages | 9-13/16 x 9-13/16 | Middle Grade (10 and up)


More about Daria Song: 


DARIA SONG is an author and artist with a master’s degree in fiber arts from the Ewha Womans University Graduate School of Fine Arts. Winner of the Kyung Hyang Arts Contest, Song has exhibited at numerous galleries and museums in Korea, Singapore, Turkey, and Hong Kong. She is a lecturer at the Kaywon School of Arts and her illustrations can be found in Amore Pacific and SK Planet. She spent five years of her childhood in San Francisco before returning to Korea, and the sense of wonder and mystery that comes from living in a far-off place inspired her internationally best-selling adult coloring book, The Time Garden.



Thank you to Blogging for Books for my review copy. 

Our Man in Charleston (Britain's Secret Agent in the Civil War South)

This beautifully bound book will take you back to early Charleston, when the city, according to this author, was anything but beautiful: it was hot, dirty, disease-ridden, and reeking with the stench of slavery, and Robert Bunch called it "home" as he worked tirelessly to bring an end to one of the greatest evils ever known. 

I am ashamed to admit it, but I still don't know the truth of the origins of the Civil War. Was slavery really the root cause? According to this book, it was, and the attitudes and practices of the day were even more despicable than I knew.

I must admit that this book wasn't exactly what I had expected. I found it a little exhausting to read because there were so many names, places, and dates that I couldn't keep up. I felt like I was cramming for a history exam! Still, I did learn much about a critical time in our nation's history. As "mentally stretching" as it was to read, I felt myself drawn to it again and again. A more intellectual reader might enjoy it a lot more than I did. *sheepish smirk*  

4 out of 5 stars.

Available at Amazon.com.Amazon.com

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

The Bridge Builder: The Life And Continuing Legacy of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein GIVEAWAY!

I've always believed that the Bible teaches that the Jews are God's chosen people, and that Israel is their promised homeland. I've always been taught that we are to stand with Israel; to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.... " (Psalm 122:6;  When I read of how Israel came to be, and the miraculous birth of that tiny nation and hear of the miraculous way that it has survived, I feel deep emotion. However, I blush to admit that I know very little about Jewish beliefs and way of life. I did already know that Christians and Jews don't exactly see eye to eye, and that the name of Jesus is taboo, but that's pretty much the extent of my "knowledge".

The Bridge Builder is a fascinating read about one man who is attempting to bring about a mutual understanding between Christians and evangelicals. Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein is described as a complex, hard working man whose desire to better the lives of his people is his consuming passion. As an evangelical, obviously I don't agree with the rabbi's religious views, but I do appreciate what he has done and is doing, and I hope that his efforts continue to bear much fruit. 

The bridge builder included eye opening details about historical events, as well as insights into how Jews view Christians, and especially the way they feel about efforts to evangelize. I still feel pretty clueless about the Jewish beliefs and views, but reading this book increased my desire to learn more. 

A quote I found particularly enlightening:

"The question is how Christians ought to {witness}; whether they'll bang us over the head with the gospel (as was done with catastrophic results over the centuries) or sensitively present this ' good news' and then let God and the Holy Spirit bring about whatever change God will." p. 103

The Bridge Builder gets 4 out of 5 stars from me. 

Enter to Win!

One of my readers will win a copy of this book! To enter, simply leave a comment here or under the giveaway post on my Facebook page. That's it! :) 

About Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein:

Founder and President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Israel, Rabbi Eckstein has devoted more than 35 years to building bridges of understanding between Christians and Jews and broad support for the State of Israel.  He is recognized as the world's leading Jewish authority on evangelical Christians.  Rabbi Eckstein received Orthodox Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University in New York.  He holds master's degrees from Yeshiva University and Columbia University, where he also completed studies for his doctorate.  Rabbi Eckstein has served on the faculties of Columbia University, Chicago Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Seminary.  He currently serves on the executive committee of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.  

About the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews:

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews was founded in 1983 by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein to promote understanding between Jews and Christians and build broad support for Israel and other shared concerns.  Their ministry's vision is that Jews and Christians will reverse their 2,000-year history of discord and replace it with a relationship marked by dialogue, respect, and cooperation.  Among the many things they do as an organization, they also create materials for teaching about the significance of connecting Israel and Christianity through such resources as A Woman of Valor: Celebrating The Proverbs 31 Women In Our Lives, A Man Of Faith: Reflections On Godly Leadership From The Ancient Shepherds Of Israel (both devotionals by Rabbi Eckstein), and Seven Fruits of Israel: Recipes And Devotions From The Holy Land (by Yael Eckstein).

About the book and the author:

Hardcover; 272 pages

Zev Chafets is the bestselling author of fourteen books of fiction, media criticism, and social and political commentary.  He has been a frequent contributor to the New York Times Magazine and is a former columnist for the New York Daily News. 

Thanks to FlyBy Promotions for my copy of The Bridge Builder, and for the giveaway copy.   

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”