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ferniecosgrove's reviews
79 reviews
The Cross of Christ by John R.W. Stott
5.0
Really good and comprehensive book about what the cross of Christ means a theologically and practically for our lives. Particularly enjoyed the way he incorporated the historical beliefs of the Church and the Church Father’s theological perspectives.
Definitely a must read!
Definitely a must read!
A Christian's Guide to Mental Illness: Answers to 30 Common Questions by Tom Karel, David Murray
Stars/review pending, need to mull this one over. Re-read? So many thoughts!
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
5.0
I just wrapped up this book today, and contrary to popular opinion I really enjoyed it. Here is why! Rebecca Makkai did a great job at personifying the way a brain that has been impacted by childhood trauma works. Instead of seeing this book as a outward political statement for individuals to create change, I think it really focused on the internal processing of life events, as incoherent as that process is at times, and the way early childhood trauma really stunts development and leaves individuals 'stuck' in the past, without the ability to move forward. This is seen in Bodie's obsession over women's sexual assault, murders, and all the things that were not resolved. In a way, she is 'externalizing' her behaviors, and trying to find some power over circumstances that will allow her to feel a sense of control over something, since she hasn't had that control. Overall a very introspective read, plot moved quick, and slow at times, but again, I believe it truly reflects how mind that has been impacted by trauma works. Always somewhere, but never tryly anywhere.
Murtagh by Christopher Paolini
1.0
Writing this review hurts. "Murtagh" was my most looked forward to read for the year, and I was thoroughly disappointed and heart broken about the outcome.
First, it is disappointing to see that Christopher Paolini's writing has not grown, and if I dare say, has gotten more childish. Some of the phrases that Murtagh used during the book were straight 21st century phrasing and internet lingo. Personally, I did return to the world of Alagesia to be caught in internet slang.
Second, the plot was weak and the timing of things was off. Some events were so fast paced that they left you wondering what happened, no details, no imagery, none of it coming to life. While others, were so slow that they took too much time of the book without having a significant impact on the story development.
I understand that this book was primarily meant to show Murtagh and Thorn's growth, but it just didn't. During "Inheritance" Murtagh and Thorn grew so much, that's what changed their names, and their ability to break free from Galbatorix's power. But in this book, they've had a huge character regression, and the development of their characters is if anything weak. Murtagh and Thorn are so strong and resilient, and this book did not show this. Quite honestly, if felt like a rerun of Eragon's capture in Illead, the difference was the characters.
Finally, for what's on the book, the book could have easily been two to three hundred words shorter, and it would have been better if Christopher "showed, didn't tell" his readers.
First, it is disappointing to see that Christopher Paolini's writing has not grown, and if I dare say, has gotten more childish. Some of the phrases that Murtagh used during the book were straight 21st century phrasing and internet lingo. Personally, I did return to the world of Alagesia to be caught in internet slang.
Second, the plot was weak and the timing of things was off. Some events were so fast paced that they left you wondering what happened, no details, no imagery, none of it coming to life. While others, were so slow that they took too much time of the book without having a significant impact on the story development.
I understand that this book was primarily meant to show Murtagh and Thorn's growth, but it just didn't. During "Inheritance" Murtagh and Thorn grew so much, that's what changed their names, and their ability to break free from Galbatorix's power. But in this book, they've had a huge character regression, and the development of their characters is if anything weak. Murtagh and Thorn are so strong and resilient, and this book did not show this. Quite honestly, if felt like a rerun of Eragon's capture in Illead, the difference was the characters.
Finally, for what's on the book, the book could have easily been two to three hundred words shorter, and it would have been better if Christopher "showed, didn't tell" his readers.
Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels by Rebecca McLaughlin
2.0
This was a good introduction book to who Jesus it, but I did not find it substantially convincing or compelling. What I am trying to say, is that this is a good book for Christians, but not a book I would recommend to non-believers or use as an apologetic tool. It lacked the depth and 'burden of proof' that non-believers, specially skeptics, would need to find any of these arguments convincing, and it assumes a foundational knowledge that readers may not have.
The best part of this book was her use of main stream references to explain concepts, those were helpful!
The best part of this book was her use of main stream references to explain concepts, those were helpful!
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann
4.0
Very fascinating read! Loved the rawness of the depictions and the way you were hooked on this historical piece from the first chapter.
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The best book I’ve read so far this year!! I love the way that Desmon summarizes, and explains the issue of poverty in America: so many of us want way more than we need. Only until we’re ready to give up our entitlement for material and monetary gain, when we confront our greed and resist accumulating wealth. Only then, will we make progress to alleviate poverty and achieve a more equal redistribution of good.
Glimmers of Grace: A Doctor's Reflections on Faith, Suffering, and the Goodness of God by Kathryn Butler
5.0
A few years ago I had a social work internship at our local children’s hospital. For a year I rounded with the doctors and nurses through the floors of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Hematology and Oncology Unit. As you spend time around illness and suffering, it is easy to question God’s goodness or doubt that he is present amidst suffering.
In her book “Glimmers of Grace”, Kathryn Butler, uses her experiences in the hospital to illustrate how to apply the truths about who God is in the middle of suffering. In her narrative she makes the hospital experiences come alive and then reminds us how the Word of God and his character informs how we experience health conditions and medical complications. She challenges both health care professionals and patients to consider God’s character and hold to him. Health care professionals can gain insight into how to keep the Word of God in the forefront of their minds as they provide care to their patients. She also reminds us of the power of prayer as a tool that God has given us to use daily in the healthcare setting. As a patient, she exhorts those experiencing suffering to remember who God is to hold to faith despite the health outcomes.
I read this book while in the hospital and the way the gospel is illustrated captivated my soul through every prick and suture. As the nurses came in and out of the hospital room to gather more blood, give medication or provide updates, this book helped me keep my eyes on Jesus! I was constantly reminded that he is my strong foundation, the one who sustains my life (and my son’s) and he is faithful – no matter the outcome!
I highly recommend this book, and believe it will allow you to have an appropriate view of suffering through the Biblical worldview, who God is and what Jesus did for us on the cross!!
Finally, as a dentist wife who has been immersed in the craziness of medical and dental school. I truly believe this is a book that doctors, dentists, nurses and all health care professionals that profess belief in Christ need to read! This book will help provide you with a framework to approach patients with a Christ-centered approach, praying continuously, and being light in a dark circumstance.
Worth the read!!
This book review is possible by Crossway. Crossway provided me with a review copy of this book. Content taken from Glimmers of Grace by Kathryn Butler, MD ©2021.
In her book “Glimmers of Grace”, Kathryn Butler, uses her experiences in the hospital to illustrate how to apply the truths about who God is in the middle of suffering. In her narrative she makes the hospital experiences come alive and then reminds us how the Word of God and his character informs how we experience health conditions and medical complications. She challenges both health care professionals and patients to consider God’s character and hold to him. Health care professionals can gain insight into how to keep the Word of God in the forefront of their minds as they provide care to their patients. She also reminds us of the power of prayer as a tool that God has given us to use daily in the healthcare setting. As a patient, she exhorts those experiencing suffering to remember who God is to hold to faith despite the health outcomes.
I read this book while in the hospital and the way the gospel is illustrated captivated my soul through every prick and suture. As the nurses came in and out of the hospital room to gather more blood, give medication or provide updates, this book helped me keep my eyes on Jesus! I was constantly reminded that he is my strong foundation, the one who sustains my life (and my son’s) and he is faithful – no matter the outcome!
I highly recommend this book, and believe it will allow you to have an appropriate view of suffering through the Biblical worldview, who God is and what Jesus did for us on the cross!!
Finally, as a dentist wife who has been immersed in the craziness of medical and dental school. I truly believe this is a book that doctors, dentists, nurses and all health care professionals that profess belief in Christ need to read! This book will help provide you with a framework to approach patients with a Christ-centered approach, praying continuously, and being light in a dark circumstance.
Worth the read!!
This book review is possible by Crossway. Crossway provided me with a review copy of this book. Content taken from Glimmers of Grace by Kathryn Butler, MD ©2021.
7 Disciplinas Espirituales Para La Mujer by Liliana Llambés
4.0
Este es una gran libro introductorio a las disciplinas espirituales, es un libro accesible, fácil de leer y tiene aplicaciones practicas para la vida diaria. Lily nos muestra cómo el evangelio de Cristo Jesus es nuestro punto de partida y la fuente para desarrollar disciplinas espirituales que nos ayuden a crecer en fe. Lily provee ejemplos de su vida y aliento para perseverar en estas disciplinas para la gloria de Cristo.