Book Review

The Dead Sea Squirrels : Squirreled Away by Mike Nawrocki, 

Illustrated by Luke Seguin Magee

Tyndale 2019

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This story is engaging and fun while also teaching some history and a few Bible facts. It is full of adventure, humor and surprises, while purporting right behavior. It also introduces children to different personality traits in the characters. 

The short pages and short chapters help keep young readers interested and not overwhelmed. Illustrations are humorous and delightful.

We recommend this book for children ages 7-11, especially boys.  

Book Review

“Grace: More Than We Deserve Greater Than We Imagine” 

by Max Lucado 

c2012 Nelson Books

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Max simplifies and reiterates what grace is, what it means and what it looks like in the life of Christ and others. Jesus showed extraordinary grace to many--can we follow his example?  Max also shares real examples of people showing amazing grace--to challenge and inspire us.  He asks us if our lives have been changed by touched by grace?  We receive God’s grace and then we pass on grace to others.  Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.  We are challenged to willingly accept God’s overwhelming grace--the undeserved forgiveness we receive through Christ--and then to live a life of grace

DVD curriculum for small group study is available for this book also.

Book Review

Divine - Karen Kingsbury

c2007 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Many of Karen's books address issues that some people are facing but that other people may not understand - such as autism, life-threatening illness, death of a parent or child, infertility, adoption, drug abuse, long-distance relationships, etc. This book is about battered women and their feelings of self-doubt, pain, sadness, helplessness and hopelessness.  These women have been oppressed, beaten down, treated like trash, abused, threatened, etc. They live in fear. They may make poor choices due to the thoughts that have been put in their heads.  

This book helps those who have not experienced being victims understand why some women are stuck in a harmful cycle and can't seem to dig out of it, possibly making unwise choices over and over again.

Through this wonderful story of redemption, Karen helps battered women see that they are victims--not the cause--of being beaten and taken advantage of.   The story chronicles two journeys happening in two different generations (time periods).  The character Mary helps counsel other battered women at a shelter because she was a victim herself for years and has experienced God's love and redemption. She can share her story and help other women through their circumstances. It gives her credibility.  These two different but parallel stories can sometimes be a bit confusing if you forget which character you are reading about at the moment.  But in the end it is a unique way to tell this story.

Book Review

Home Run (a novel) by Travis Thrasher

2013 David C. Cook

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This is a great book of hope for anyone who has struggled or is struggling with addictions and also for their loved ones.  The story follows the character of Cory as he grows up with an abusive dad and later goes on to become a major league baseball player.  He struggles with alcoholism and anger.  His addictions and their consequences catch up with him and he finds himself temporarily out of a job and sent back to his small hometown in Oklahoma.  He is lonely and broken.  He is mandated to attend a Christian 12-step program called “Celebrate Recovery”.   Slowly, his life is turned around.  Through Christ salvation and redemption are possible.

Home Run is based on the hit movie that is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Sinner's Creed
by Scott Stapp
2012, Tyndale House Publishers

Fascinating biography.  If you have ever listened to music by Creed you will be interested in reading this biography.  He is very open and honest about his life

Book Review

The Me I Want To Be : Becoming God's Best Version of You - John Ortberg - c2010 Zondervan

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I'm a long-time fan of John Ortberg's books. They are easy to read and understand while giving great insight and inspiration.

Right off the bat in chapter one, John says, “There is a me I want to be.  Life is not about any particular achievement or experience.  The most important task of your life is not what you do, but who you become.”  “Your life is not your project.  Your life is God’s project.”  When we are inspired we are connected to the Spirit of God which makes us flourish--making us fully alive with a purpose for living.  You are never too young to flourish. “When you flourish, you become more you...God wants to redeem you, not exchange you.”  

These quotes alone should make you want to grab the book and start reading today.  John asks, “What could you want more than to become the person God created you to be?”  

Saint Irenaeus wrote, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive; and to be alive consists of beholding God.”  John adds, “When my primary focus is being present with [God], everything else has a way of falling into place.”

“God’s plan is for you to become the best version of you, but right now there are two versions of you.  There is the you God made you to be--and there is the you that currently exists.  What do you do with the gap?”   “We cannot bridge this gap by our efforts or good behavior.  We cannot earn God’s love and forgiveness; it comes only by God’s grace.”

“The only way to become the person God made you to be is to live with the Spirit of God flowing through you like a river of living water.”  “God’s plan is not just for us to be saved by grace--it is for us to live by grace.”

John starts out chapter five with “There is a God.  It is not you.  This is the beginning of wisdom.”  Now that’s a quote we should pass it on to our children and grandchildren.

“Have I invited Jesus along for the ride, or is he driving?  Who is behind the wheel?...There is no way for a human being to come to God that does not involve surrender...Surrender is not the same thing as passivity.”  “Jesus does not come to rearrange the outside of our life the way we want.  He comes to rearrange the inside of our life the way God wants.”  “For deeper change, I need a greater power than simply “trying harder” can provide.”  “A river of living water is available, but the river is the Spirit, not you.”

John also states that there is also a “me I don’t want to be”.  The follow verses can help us with that.

• Romans 12:2 NLT - Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
• Colossians 3:2 - Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.
• Romans 8:5 - Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
• Philippians 4:7-9 - Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

John says, “We need to have a very clear picture of what kind of person we want to become, and why.”  “When we know ourselves and each other, when we walk in love, we are free to be called to the best version of ourselves--God’s hand-signed version of ourselves.”

“When you discover your strengths, you are learning an indispensable part of what it means to be made in the image of God.”  Dorothy Sayers said, “Work is not, primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do.”  “...Research shows that the best moments of our lives … come when we are totally immersed in a significant task that is challenging, yet matches up well to our highest abilities.”

“When we discover the gifts God has given us and the passions that engage us, and we put them to work in the service of values we deeply believe in--in conscious dependence on God--then we are working in the Spirit.  Then our work is helping each of us to created the me I want to be.”

“If you have courage to make changes in your life, something can happen in your soul.  The Spirit will bring the courage.”  “In prayer--in the presence of God--we come closest to being fully ourselves.”

Obviously I recommend this book.  I’ll end with a question for reflection that John asks near the end of the book:  “If you were to choose a logo for your life, what would it be?”

DVD curriculum for small group study is also available for this book.

Book Review

7: an experimental mutiny against excess - Jen Hatmaker

B & H Publishing / 2012

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Love, love, love this book.  Love Jen.  Love her heart.  Love her writing.  Love the challenges she places before us.  Now, let me tell you why.  Many of us in America have too much.  We own too much, we buy too much, we spend too much, we consume too much, we throw away too much.  We often don’t even think about how we spend our money or how much we accumulate or how much we waste.  She challenges us to rethink how we live.

Jen is married to Brandon Hatmaker.  They have 3 biological children and 2 adopted children from Ethiopia.  They are founders and leaders of Austin New Church, whose mantra is: Love your neighbor; serve your city.  Taking a cue from Francis Chan, they take the scripture "love your neighbor as yourself" seriously - they give away half of all they receive. They won't spend more on themselves than on their poor neighbors.

Jen took 7 months to focus on 7 areas of her life (1 per month):  Food, Clothes, Possessions, Media, Waste, Spending, Stress.  The first month she reduced her food intake to only 7 items. The second month she only wore 7 items of clothing.  The third month she gave away 7 belongings each day.  You get the idea.  It was her way of fasting from excess.  She journaled her seven-month-long journey in this inspirational book, revealing her honest thoughts, experiences, and lessons learned.  

You will be greatly inspired to rethink how you live.  I highly recommend this book to all Christ followers in America.

Book Review

Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus

John Eldredge

Faith Words / 2011

Reviewed by Diane Busch

It's all about Jesus - he is the beautiful outlaw. He is considered an outlaw because many of the things he said & did were either not "lawful" (like picking grain to eat on the sabbath) or not expected or not acceptable (like talking to a Samaritan woman). Eldredge shows us a different side of Jesus that is sometimes neglected or incorrectly portrayed. He makes us think about the reality of things we may often gloss over as we read or not take time to think about. The humanness of Jesus, his humbleness to come to earth and live in a human body, and to be limited by that body. Having to walk 60 miles to Jerusalem rather than just showing up there.  Getting tired, hungry, thirsty, etc.

Jesus surprised many people by the things he said; by his personality; by his non-conformity.  It seems there is always more we can learn about Jesus.  This has been a great read leading up to Easter.

Book Review

TORN: Rescuing the Gospel from the gays -vs.- Christian debate

by Justin Lee

Jericho Books / 2012

Reviewed by Diane Busch

To be honest, the reason I read this book is because my pastor encouraged our church staff to read it.  And I’m glad I did.  I was educated.  I came away sympathetic and compassionate toward Justin and other Christians who find themselves in this situation of being Christ followers who have same-sex attraction.  Formerly, I didn’t know that could occur.  Not knowing anyone personally who is gay, I have only thought of homosexuality as a choice and as a sin.  

I was also educated about the definition of the word “gay” - that someone who says they are gay only means they have same-sex attraction, and not that they necessarily act on that attraction.  

From reading this book I have changed my attitude toward gays and lesbians--to not be condemning in thought if I am introduced or find out.  To love everyone in Jesus’ name and not be judgmental.  There are no levels or degrees of sin--a liar is no less of a sinner than a thief, etc.  And if a gay man is just being tempted by his attraction and no sin is committed, than is that any different than a thief who is tempted to steal but does not?  Temptation is not a sin.  Even Jesus was tempted.

We still don’t know all the answers.  These issues will continue to be discussed in our churches.  We will continue to be Christ followers who read scripture and pray for wisdom from God.  We will love God and love people.  All people.  Jesus did.

Game On : Find Your Purpose--Pursue Your Dream
by Emmitt Smith

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  Excellent!  And I am a woman who doesn't even follow football.  Emmitt writes with such enthusiasm and encouragement.  Interwoven between the lines of his life's story, he gives advice on how to turn your dreams into goals and your goals into reality.  He gives tips on recognizing your dreams, identifying your vision, following your path, getting rid of fear, widening your horizons, building your team, enhancing your attitude, and deciding wisely.  You come away feeling like you really could accomplish anything that God calls you to do, with His help.

To Heaven and Back : A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again
by Mary C. Neal
WaterBrook Press 2012

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.  I had set out to read the book merely to be informed of its content since it was on the best-seller list.  I was skeptical about reading another book about a "near death experience".  But I found the author to be genuinely encouraging and insightful.  She tells her story with honesty and truth--no gimmicks here.  Due to her knowledge as a doctor, she adds many medical details that help you understand the situation better.  She shares scripture where applicable.  As a believer in Jesus, she leaves you looking forward to a future in heaven with Him.

Book Review

--> Coming Home

By Karen Kingsbury

Zondervan 2012

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Coming Home seems to be the wrap-up book for the many series about the Baxter Family that Karen Kingsbury has written.  The initial chapters fill you in on many details of each member of the family, in case you haven’t read all the books or in case it has been so long that you forgot a few things.

The title “Coming Home” has several special meanings, as this story unfolds.  The entire extended Baxter family plans to get together in Bloomington, Illinois for their father’s 70^th birthday.  A joyful family reunion & celebration is what they have planned.

But, as in real life, not all things go as planned.  The family has to endure tragedy and heartache.  They pray as never before.  They cling together as family and they hold onto their faith in God, even during these most difficult circumstances.  Christians are not exempt from bad things happening to them.  But the Baxter family shows by example how to walk through difficulty, tragedy, and loss without losing faith.

The book ends about a year after John Baxter’s 70^th birthday and gives one last update on all the family members.  If this is the last book, I for one, find it hard to say goodbye to so many wonderful characters.

Book Review

Through My Eyes
By Tim Tebow
with Nathan Whitaker
HarperCollins Publishers 2011

Reviewed by Diane Busch

What an inspiring story!  And it's true!  Tim Tebow is an amazing young man, who in this book tells his life story so far.  He begins with the miracle of his birth, after doctors had told his mother to have an abortion to save her life.  He is the youngest of 5 children and his parents were missionaries to the Philippines.  They moved back to Florida when Tim was three years old and his father worked as a pastor and ministry leader, while his mother home-schooled all the children.
You will be inspired by the way God worked in Tim's life to prepare him for the future.  You don't need to be a football fan to enjoy this rendering of his life journey so far: as a son, a brother, a neighbor, a friend, a football player, and a Christ-follower.