Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Book Review: Reframe: From the God We've Made . . . to God with Us by Brian Hardin

Reframe: From the God We've Made . . . to God with Us

By Brian Hardin
Publisher: NavPress
Published: Sept. 17, 2015
ASIN: B00UCENSAS

Amazon Synopsis:

Accomplished recording producer Brian Hardin experienced a mediocre Christian faith until one day, he purposed to read the Bible daily. His resolve led to the start of the Daily Audio Bible, which after eight years has had more than 55 million downloads and feeds hundreds of thousands of listeners each day.

In the process of reading the Bible to his growing audience every day without fail, he has made a true, real friend in Jesus. Not a “Hey God, I know You’re up there somewhere” type of relationship, but one that contains the emotions, dialogue, and intimate moments that we long for from our closest of comrades. Brian found it necessary to entirely reframe his perception of God into a relationship as real as any experienced here on earth.

Reframe challenges you to change your paradigm about your relationship and connection with God, because in truth, you are engineered so that life will not work without Him. Reframe invites you to reconsider life and what it might look like if you were ruined for anything else but a life-giving connection to the almighty God.

Book Links
Amazon  *  Goodreads

Monday, August 31, 2015

Book Review: The Berenstain Bears' Harvest Festival

The Berenstain Bears' Harvest Festival
By Mike Berenstain
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Published: Aug. 4, 2015
ASIN: 9780310748656

Amazon Synopsis:

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, and the folks of Bear Country are looking forward to everything the season brings. So when the Chapel in the Woods holds its first ever Harvest Festival, people gather at Farmer Ben’s for a wonderful time of family, friends, fun, and praising God for his gifts.

Book Links

Monday, August 3, 2015

Book Review: The Jeremiah Project Part 1 - The Scrapbook by A. J. Foltz

The Jeremiah Project Part 1-The Scrapbook
By A. J. Foltz
Publisher: WestBow Press
Published: May 2, 2013
ASIN: B00DCLM8BI

Amazon Synopsis:

Turn off all the noise, and get yourself comfortable. Jeremiah invites you in. The Jeremiah Project Part 1—The Scrapbook has the bones of a study guide but as Scripture is searched and questions are answered the study takes on the form of a novelette. The study begins with Jeremiah’s official appointment. Jeremiah will represent the Lord in a monumental court case that administers justice. This case still affects us today.

The Lord had a legal and binding relationship with Israel. Their relationship is compared to marriage in this study of God’s Word. When God acquired Israel as a vessel-bride, Israel acquired God’s promises, which were outlined in a living and breathing contract. The once gracious contract which united the two parties in holy union has by legal recourse become a beast which, in study, serves to bind the pair in its merciless grip.

The Jeremiah Project Part 1—The Scrapbook is a user-friendly study that you cannot afford to miss. It’s like finding a few more pieces to that big puzzle of life. Some of us have a good start at putting it all together, but the picture of life becomes a little clearer and makes more sense after spending some time with Jeremiah. You will find insightful information as he, by appointment from God, delivers wisdom, comfort, and strength that will get many through the upheaval in our world.

Book Links

My Thoughts:

The Jeremiah Project (Pt 1) covers the first 10 chapters of the book of Jeremiah. It is a very in depth look at the book of Jeremiah. It covers the book verse by verse. Many references are made to other books and chapters of the bible in order to help the reader understand the location and history of what is being discussed as well as the spiritual meaning of the writing.

Questions are presented for each section for the reader to respond to. Each of these questions helps the reader to understand better what the author is trying to demonstrate to the reader. Sometimes there in only one or two questions. Other times there are quite a few questions.
The Jeremiah Project (Pt 1) would be suitable to use for a personal study, but probably less so as a group study unless each member was dedicated to doing minimum of at least a half hour of homework before meeting time in order to get through the material and even at that to complete The Jeremiah Project (Pt 1) as a group study it would likely take several months.
I liked that the questions were clear and concise and helped the reader to visualize what is going on in the book of Jeremiah to see how that applies to the Israelites and how it can also be applied to Christians today. Writing the answers down gives a simple and easy document to read as a good reminder of what the Scripture has to say, and not what the author wants us to think about.
Reviewing this book was a catalyst to me being interested again in reading and studying my Bible on a more regular basis. Now I just have to make it happen.
I think The Jeremiah Project (Pt 1) is an excellent way to become familiar with this Old Testament book of the Bible. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the book of Jeremiah. I gave it 5 stars out of 5.

Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

About the Author:

A.J. Foltz is a career Christian who has undergone a lifetime of training on and off the Christian field. Foltz has been married for 33 years and raised three children.

Author Links
Website  *  Twitter  *  Facebook

Friday, June 26, 2015

Book Review: Mobility Matters: Stepping Out in Faith by Amy Bovaird

Mobility Matters: Stepping Out in Faith
By Amy Bovaird
Publisher: Amy Bovaird
Published: Oct. 3, 2014
ASIN: B00O5P9MGY

Amazon Synopsis:

 Adventurous international teacher, Amy Bovaird, is diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disease that will blind her. In spite of that, she manages to continue teaching overseas. Then her father’s final illness brings her back home for good. There, friends and acquaintances begin to notice that she doesn’t always recognize them and sometimes stumbles…as if drunk! Insensitive students ridicule her in the classroom. Unwilling to accept that she is truly losing her eyesight, Amy resists when the Bureau of Blindness schedules a mobility specialist to begin training her to use a white cane.  How can she, an independent world traveler, use something that screams 'I am a blind person'?  Will her faith prove strong enough to allow her to move forward and accept herself as she is? 

Available for $0.99 from June 27 - June 30 on Amazon

Book Links

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Book Review: David and Goliath by Katherine Sully

David and Goliath
By Katherine Sully
Publisher: QEB Publishing
Published: Mar. 25, 2015
ISBN: 9781609922610

Amazon Synopsis:
Can young David win against a giant? Read the story of David, the shepherd boy who fights the mighty giant, Goliath.
Can young David win against a giant? Read the story of David, the shepherd boy who fights the mighty giant, Goliath. These beautifully illustrated classic Bible stories are perfect for reading together as well as reading alone. The most popular stories from the Old Testament are retold in easy-to-read language and provide a perfect introduction into the Bible. The series allows children to become familiar with colorful stories from the Old Testament using the familiar picture story format. Whilst the language is simple and easy to understand, the detailed illustrations support the text and provide ideal opportunities for spotting things and for further discussion.

Book Links
Amazon  *  B&N  *  Book Depository  *  Goodreads

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Book Review: The Berenstain Bears God Made You Special

The Berenstain Bears God Made You Special (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights)
By Mike Berenstain
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Published: Dec. 23, 2014
ASIN: 9780310734833

Amazon Synopsis:

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8

In this newest 8x8 softcover title in the Berenstain Bears Living Lights collection, the Bruins join the Bear family for a cookout and bring their cousin Tommy along. It isn’t long before the cubs start up a game of baseball and Sister soon notices that Tommy doesn’t play like the rest of the group. When Sister asks about Tommy, Mama takes the opportunity to talk to Sister about how God makes each of us unique in our own way. And that we all have special gifts and talents to share with the folks around us.

Book Links

My Thoughts:

This newest addition to the Berenstain Bears book collection has an important lesson for all of us to learn. The Berenstain Bears God Made You Special reminds us we are all important to God and He has made each of us special.

I liked that to us adults while we recognize that Tommy would be considered a special needs child, he is considered to be gifted by God in his own way. This provides Tommy with dignity and reasons for us to respect and embrace us just as we would anyone else in our society. No one should be made to feel inferior because they learn or play differently or more slowly than the rest of the group.

I thought it was great when the Lizzy, her brother and the other bears joined Tommy and Honey in their game of tag. They had such a great time together just having fun running around and one another.

I also liked the section on the inside of the back cover titled “Activities and Questions From Brother and Sister Bear”. I thought the questions and activities were helpful for thinking about how others are gifted by God and then showing appreciation or recognition of that gift to that person.

As in all the Berenstain Bear books, each page is filled with the trademark colourful Berenstain Bear pictures. I liked the way the text is always backed with white, ensuring a good contrast for the text making for easy reading.

If you’re a Berenstain Bears fan, you’ll love this one too. I highly recommend The Berenstain Bears God Mad You Special. I rated it 5 stars out of 5.

About the Author:

Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents, Stan and Jan, working together to write and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Mike is married to Andrea and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country.

Author Links


Friday, January 9, 2015

Review: Hearts Stolen (A Texas Romance Bk 2) with Caryl McAdoo

Hearts Stolen (A Texas Romance Book 2)
By Caryl McAdoo
Publisher: Caryl McAdoo
Published: Sept. 3, 2014
ASIN: B00NAXGAZI

Amazon Synopsis:

Unbeknownst to loved ones, a headstrong young wife is snatched off the prairie by two Comanche braves, carried north of the Red River, and traded to their war chief for ponies. After five years, a small detail of Texas Rangers rides into camp, and she determines that day will bring freedom or death. She’ll remain captive no more. Sassy Nightengale almost gives up hope until a company of Texas Rangers rides into Bold Eagle’s peace camp. She learns they’ve come for the negotiated exchange of stolen white women, except her name isn’t on their list. Purposing in her heart to escape captivity with her blue eyed, four- year-old that day, she does everything she can to be noticed. Famed Texas Ranger Levi Baylor spots the red headed beauty and agrees to the war chief’s price adding his personal horse and weapon to the Republic agents’ offerings. The trade propels the couple on a trail of joy and sorrow. Sweet love blossoms but must be denied. His integrity and her faith in God keep them at arm’s length, not allowing even a kiss. Sassy’s still married to her son’s father, and Levi’s honor bound to deliver her home—to her husband. Can their forbidden love be made holy? God hates divorce. Is it wrong to hope, expect Nightengale to relinquish his wife and son? Will Sassy and Levi find the redemption they seek for their troubled souls?

Book Links

My Thoughts:

Hearts Stolen is the second book in this clean romance series but just because it’s clean romance don’t let that fool you into thinking that there are no difficult love issues.

Sassy relies on God and Levi relies on his integrity when they begin to fall in love even though Sassy is still married to her son’s father. Since she doesn’t believe in divorce, and God hates divorce, the only alternative for her will be to return to her husband and a loveless marriage, leaving a man she doesn’t want to live without and who her son thinks of as a father.

It was good to see the struggle that Sassy went through on her journey from the Comanche camp back to her home. She could have run away with Levi, and I’m sure some people would have. I loved that she stuck to her belief in God and her principles.

The main and supporting characters were all very vibrant and alive. They were very entertaining and realistic. I felt like I was there with them. I especially liked the relationship that Sassy’s son had with Levi. It was very endearing.

This was the kind of love story that was hard to put down. It was more than a love story as there was enough action and adventure to keep the story moving forward

Anyone who enjoys the genre of clean romance will enjoy Hearts Stolen. I highly recommend it. I gave it 5 stars out of 5.


Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

About the Author:
Her first book debuted ’99, then for the next nine years, she averaged a title a year from four presses: two non-fiction, four novels, and three mid-grade chapter books. In April, 2012, she met Mary Sue Seymour (The Seymour Agency) at a writers’ conference in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, and wrote her first historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN especially for the New York agent whose maiden name was remarkably McAdoo! In August, Caryl signed a representation contract, and VOW UNBROKEN sold on 10-11-12 to Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. No one can tell her God wasn’t in all that.
Also known as Grami, she loves fourteen grandsugars, and she and O’Pa—her high school sweetheart and husband of forty-five years—have been rearing four of the grandsons for the past eleven years. She’s dedicated to advancing God’s Kingdom through her novels, praise and worship—He frequently gives her new songs—prayers, and her testimony.
She believes all good things are from Him and that her books will minister His love, mercy, and grace to her readers. Irving, Texas remained her life long home until 2008 when she and Ron followed God’s leading to Red River County in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State.

Author Links
Website  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter  *  Facebook

Monday, November 3, 2014

Christmas in Snow Valley Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway




Christmas in Snow Valley is only $.99 until November 8th.


Snow Valley, Montana, is a small community with the tradition of doing Christmas big. Festivities begin with tree lighting in the town square the day after Thanksgiving and continue until the culminating romantic Christmas Ball. From the Polar Express to a Winter Carnival, there’s something for every wonder-filled  child—and every couple who’s in love—or about to be.

An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
Lucy Phillips doesn’t want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than the guy she kissed at the airport?

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Book Review: Exodus From Egypt by Anat Umansky

Exodus From Egypt
By Anat Umansky
Publisher: Anat Umansky
Published: June 9, 2014
ASIN: B00J1NEQ66

Amazon Synopsis:

Age Level: 6 - 12 | Grade Level: 1 – 7

Children love great stories.

Bible's Stories have all the precise components to be great and are one of the primary ways they learn about the ancient world and themselves. 

The Story of Exodus is a marvelous one. It contains social issues like freedom, Faiths, Beliefs, miracles and hope. It is a story of a small baby who should be thrown to the Nile river and die, yet succeeded to become a great leader. 

Although the world is so much different today from the way it was two-three thousand years ago, the people are pretty much the same. 

Friday, September 26, 2014

Book Review: 365 Life Season 2 by Tamar Knochel

365 Life Season 2
By: Tamar Knochel
Publisher: Tamar Knochel
Published: May 31, 2014
ASIN: B00KPDA0NO

Amazon Synopsis:

If you've ever struggled reading through the entire Bible then this book is for you! For 34 years Tamar Knochel tried to read through the Bible, but just couldn't seem to do it. Until one day God challenged her to WRITE through the Bible in a Year Alphabetically on her blog. It took her over TWO years to get it juuust right, but she did it! This e-book is the result of that challenge. It includes links to a year's worth of daily Bible readings (in the English Standard Version) and devotional blogs that go with them. May God bless you in the reading of His Word!

Book Links

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Book Review: Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt

Hazardous Duty: Squeaky Clean Mysteries, Book 1
By Christy Barritt
Publisher: River Heights
Published: Jan. 5, 2014
ASIN: B007NJCDKQ

Amazon Synopsis:

Buying a gun to kill your wife: $3,000 
Hiring Trauma Care to clean afterward: $1,500 
Having that same cleaner uncover evidence that frames you: Priceless 

On her way to completing a degree in forensic science, Gabby St. Claire drops out of school and 

Friday, June 13, 2014

Book Review: Life-ology 101 When All Else Fails, Smile by Michael Soward

Life-ology 101: If All Else Fails, Smile
by Michael Soward
Publisher: Xlibris
Published: Sept 16, 2013
ASIN: B00FF40FHO

Amazon Synopsis:

Life is what it is, and sometimes the pain, the unusual twists and turns of it are unavoidable, though through its entirety one must always smile, for this is a great start of the healing process. Author Michael Soward has lived by these words, and in his new book, Life-ology 101, he shares his life journey with readers everywhere, giving them a brief written snapshot of his life from childhood to his arrival in New York City, and all the adversities he met and overcame along the way.

Life-ology101: If All Else Fails, Smile is an autobiographical chronicle of the life and times of Michael Soward, following his journey from his days as a teenager who came from a 

Friday, May 2, 2014

Book Review: Noah and the Mighty Ark by Rhonda Gowler Greene

Noah and the Mighty Ark
By Rhonda Gowler Greene
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Published: April 22, 2014
ISBN: 978-0310732174

Amazon Synopsis:

Noah built the mighty ark. Then he called creatures that crept or crawled or hopped or flew or stomped or tromped, or s-s-slithered too. Children will love hearing how Noah comforts all the animals on their journey. And parents will easily get into the rhyme and 

Monday, March 31, 2014

Gatehaven Blog Tour and Giveaway with Molly Noble Bull


Gatehaven: A Novel
By Molly Noble Bull
Publisher: Creation House
Published: Feb. 25, 2014
ASIN: B00I2FWC3I

About Gatehaven:

Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull is a Christian Gothic historical novel set in a haunting mansion in the north of England where Ian Colquhoun and Shannon Aimee battle a Frenchman with dark secrets—spiritual warfare vs. the occult.  Will they learn enough about God’s words to defend themselves and others or will evil overcome them?

Book Links
Amazon   *  Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Rachel Shannon Aimee, a French Huguenot, has fallen in love with an English Earl and wants her parent’s permission to leave Scotland to travel back with him to his home meet his mother and grandmother and marry him. Since it would be unseemly for a single 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The Prayer: A Love Story Blog Tour and Giveaway with Jacqueline von Zwehl

The Prayer: A Love Story
By Jacqueline von Zwehl
Publisher: Johann Press
Published: Oct. 21, 2013
ASIN: B00G8QTDKI

Amazon Synopsis:

Do You Believe in Miracles? 
Do You Believe in Eternal Love? 
Do You Believe in Answered Prayers? 

You Will 

The Prayer, A Love Story is the inspirational true story of one woman who discovers the secret to living a life filled with miracles, unconditional love, and answered prayers. 

The journey begins with a divine promise, continues with unforeseen life challenges, and eventually leads to Jerusalem. Inside the Old City, a prayer will unlock the key to a life of miracles. This journey is proof heaven is real and its gifts are available to you now. Whether you have stopped believing in God or not, God believes in you. 

The journey holds a promise for everyone. No matter how much darkness exists in your 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Book Review Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Colony by Cami Checketts

Colony Tour

  The Colony
The Colony by Cami Checketts 

 To protect her sons from the mistakes of her past, Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. The little family is saved from injury by Jed, a mysterious hunter. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property. Lance, Brinlee’s attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Book Review:NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S WHO’S WHO IN THE BIBLE: Unforgettable People and Timeless Stories from Genesis to Revelation

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S WHO’S WHO IN THE BIBLE:
 Unforgettable People and Timeless Stories from Genesis to Revelation
By  Jean-Pierre Isbouts
Publisher: National Geographic
Published: Nov. 5, 2013
ISBN: 9781426211591

Amazon Synopsis:

From the author of In the Footsteps of Jesus and The Biblical World comes a vibrant family reference that brings to life the fascinating characters of the Old and New Testatments of the Bible. From the fall of Adam and Eve to Judas' betrayal of Jesus, the key events of the Bible are expressed through the lives of hundreds of people. Told through exquisite art 

Friday, September 20, 2013

Book Review: When God Intervenes





When God Intervenes 
By Dabney Hedegard
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publishing Date: June 21, 2013
ISBN: 9781414376820




Amazon Synopsis:

“She’ll never make it through the night”

When Dabney Hedegard was six weeks pregnant, doctors discovered an eight-inch tumor embedded in her chest. She was diagnosed with cancer and opted to postpone treatment until further along in her pregnancy. This marked the beginning of a ten-year battle against cancer, cardiomyopathy, mitral valve prolapse, pulmonary embolism, acute pneumonia, kidney failure, respiratory failure, and heart failure. In each instance, Dabney was given less than a 30 percent chance of surviving, and twice doctors told her husband, “She’ll never make it through the night.” But each time the doctors had given up hope, God intervened, miraculously rescuing Dabney from death’s doorstep. Part medical drama, part account of divine intervention, Dabney’s extraordinary story is a fast-paced, emotional roller-coaster ride that will have you crying one moment and cheering the next. Dabney’s journey is an indisputable testament to the undeniable power of prayer.

My Thoughts:

This was an amazing book about an amazing journey. Imagine finding out when you are six weeks pregnant that you have an eight-inch tumour (Hodgekins lymphoma) inside your chest. You have to make a decision about whether to abort the child and begin treatment right away, or wait until the baby is born. In the meantime, the tumour could kill you. That was the choice given to Dabney Hedegard.

This book was a well-written chronicle of the ten-year long journey that God took Dabney on. She should have died 4 times. But God intervened and did what man could not do. He kept her alive. She has had so many miracles in her life, including each of her children. After the chemotherapy for the lymphoma, Dabney was found to be sterile from the damage of the medications. But she got pregnant again, and more than once (each time with the doctors declaring that it was not possible) – proving that God does intervene in our lives.

Her story is one of encouragement, faith, hope and healing. God’s hand in Dabney’s life is evident. It would be hard to argue His existence after reading this book. This is one of those books where the author is able to make you feel as though you are right there with alongside them. This is one of the best autobiographies I have ever read!

I give this book 5 stars! 

 Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. A free product does not influence my review. All thoughts are my own.



Sunday, September 8, 2013

Book Review: Wisdom For Everyday Living




Wisdom for Everyday Living
By Steve M. Woods
Publisher: HCI Books
Date Pubished: Oct. 1, 2013
ISBN: 9780757317545




Amazon Synopsis:

Wisdom for Everyday Living is a 365-daily devotional to deepen your faith and buoy your spirit, sharing favorite Scriptures and reflections from 100 diverse and respected thought leaders of prominent Christian churches, colleges, and organizations.
A fitting inspiration for Bible study groups, alone time, or family fellowship, Wisdom for Everyday Living explores a wide range of topics, including:

·         enduring through hard times, sorrow, or depression 
·         struggling to break an addiction 
·         forgiving others and yourself 
·         having a thankful attitude 
·         giving up the need to control the outcome 
·         the importance of God's word and fellowship with other Christians 
·         being courageous 
·         finding your God-given purpose 
·         learning to wait on God 
·         the power of humility.

For anyone who wants to walk with Christ, they will find themselves in good company with daily wisdom from Judy Douglass, author, Campus Crusade for Christ; Anne Graham Lotz, founder and president of AnGel Ministries and the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Billy Graham; Bob Coy, senior pastor at Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale; Dan Carroll, senior pastor, Water of Life Community Church; Brandon Cox, senior pastor Grace Hills Church; Chuck Booher, senior pastor at Crossroads Christian Church; David S. Dockery, president of Union University--and many, many more.

My Thoughts:

This devotional book is easy to read. Contributions were made by over 100 different Christian authors and leaders providing different viewpoints and opinions. Written for all ages, this devotional book could be used for family devotions or personal devotions.

The contributors help to relate the Scripture to our everyday lives in a variety of different areas. Each devotion provides a practical application for living the Christian life today.

I gave this book 4 stars.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review. A free product does not influence my opinion. All thoughts are my own.


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Book Review: Day of the Elephants

Product DetailsDay of the Elephants
Ron Swager & Ed Chinn
Smith Publicity -- Reel Marketing Systems, LLCPub Date   Jul 10 2013
ISBN 9780615827773


Amazon Synopsis:

Try to imagine that you are an eight-year-old boy living a village life of peace, safety, and familial love. But, suddenly, you are caught in the explosion of death. In an instant, everything familiar is destroyed. You leave your childhood forever. For the next twenty years, you see the darkest possibilities of humanity. And then, you touch the majestic beauty and grace that triumph over the darkness. This is a story you won't forget.

My Thoughts:

The Day of the Elephants has nothing to do with the large animal with four legs and a trunk. The elephant is a metaphor for terrorists, whether they be those who bring about terror and death to a nation, or a more “civilized” form of terrorist – physical, financial, relational, vocational or other issue which attempts to devastate an individual. From the outset of the book Swager and Chinn make it clear that the story of Roland Deah is a parallel for each of us as we face our own issues that knock us down. As Roland never gave up, so we must never give up. Swager and Chinn use Scripture throughout the book to help illustrate their thoughts.

Swager and Chinn do a reasonable job of narrating Roland’s story, one of brutality and horror without going into too much detail. They tell of child soldiers as young as 3 years old and the horrific acts used to recruit them. They tell Roland’s story as he travels through Liberia, across the Cavalla River into the Ivory Coast to a makeshift refugee camp at Guiglo.

In the middle of Roland’s story, Swager takes a detour and tells of his heart attack. He compares this “elephant” to Roland’s “elephant”. He then carries on to the conclusion of Roland’s story telling how Roland came to live in in the United States.

I found this story to be very educational about what goes on in other countries. I can’t say that I “enjoyed” this book, as the topic is not “enjoyable”. It is a story that needs to be read because we need to know what happens elsewhere in our world so that we can do something about it.

I found that Swager’s telling of his heart attack as a parallel “elephant” was just not on the same level as Roland Deah’s experience. It was trivial by comparison. However, I understand why he included it. This book was intended to tell Roland’s story and to remind each of us that we can overcome whatever we have to face.

I gave this book 3 stars


Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.