I have three book reviews for you today! A spiritual growth book, a parenting book and a cookbook.
None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
This book grabbed me with the first sentence:
If you had told me five years ago that I would one day write a book for Christian women that led off with a quote from Proverbs 31, I would have punched you in the face.
Jen Wilkin writes about theology with this direct, candid style, and I find it refreshing. She breaks down big subjects like God’s omnipresence and omniscience into digestible pieces for contemporary readers. For example, in her chapter titled “Self-Existent,” she uses a story from a Pinterest-perfect baby shower to describe how human creativity stems from God’s perfect creativity. She describes how the endless changes in our lives help us long for God’s immutability. God’s perfect attributes draw us to him in worship.
She also writes how all our sins are attempts to be like God, though none are like Him. She writes two lists: Only God Is and God Is (And We Can Be). I gained much insight from her observation. Only God is omnipotent, yet we continue to strive for power. God is loving, and we can be loving, but often we are not. This quote is still turning over and over in my mind:
How many people spend their day potting how to achieve limitless love for others? How many people spend their day plotting how to achieve limitless power over others?
I want to be someone who loves limitlessly, but I often secretly plot how to have more control, which kills my love. None Like Him is challenging me to take a hard look at myself and a deeper look at who God is, and I’m grateful for the challenge.
Each chapter has a few powerful reflection questions at the end, which would be useful in group discussion or personal study. I picked up None Like Him at Lifeway for only $5.00 recently, and it’s the best book money I’ve spent in a while.
Raising an Original by Julie Lyles Carr
Using a beautiful metaphor of lacemaking, Julie Lyles Carr knits together a lovely parenting book, unlike any other I’ve read. She writes poignantly about how each child is an original creation and how parents can tailor their styles to each child’s strengths and weaknesses. A mother of eight, Julie shares many of her own parenting adventures and mishaps. Her writing style is inviting and warm. She is also an informative teacher, sharing scientific research in an approachable way.
In Part 3, Julie includes a valuable assessment of your child’s personality. This is a practical tool for learning how you can parent your child(ren) in specific ways to foster academic, emotional, and spiritual growth. She also writes about creating balance in extracurricular activities and adjusting expectations for your child’s future. Julie deftly weaves in scripture lessons and vignettes to create a truly enjoyable parenting read.
If I could make any suggestion for changes, I would have a shorter introduction and place the personality assessment tool in Part 1. That would knit the content together more logically. But you can simply read Part 3 first and then the book as a whole. There’s still much to take away and apply.
This book has helped me understand the needs of my three children in a new way. I now have a better grasp on how to parent to their unique temperaments. I recommend this book to parents of children ages 3 and up who want to become more intentional in their parenting.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
A Month of Sundays by Paula Hartman
I was intrigued by the combination of devotional and cookbook, so I tried this book. The author writes personal stories about marriage and parenting with humor and warmth, and I enjoyed this peek into her world. She writes a short paragraph or two about honoring the Sabbath in different ways. Then she posts several recipes for a Sunday dinner. The book has 31 devotional/dinner recipe combinations.
I related to several of her stories, including “The Zen of Weeding” about using Sabbath leisure activities for spiritual meditation, and “Letting Go,” a touching story of spending quality time on the Sabbath with her daughter. The majority of the recipes reminded me of what I’d find at a church supper or at my grandma’s table–rich and homey. Some of the recipes appealed to me, especially the dessert recipes like Turtle Cake, Strawberry Surprise, and Caramel Pie. I eat fairly healthy and clean, and this is definitely not a healthy eating cookbook, but I found a few recipes I could adapt: Sweet & Sour Veggie Salad, Asparagus with Soy Sauce, and Frozen Yogurt Pie.
This book would benefit hugely from the addition of a recipe index. Many of the recipes were listed as adaptations of others; I would have preferred more recipes unique to this author. I would appreciate more biblical insight in the devotionals as well. The writer is gifted in humorous storytelling; I would welcome reading a humorous non-fiction book with no recipes. All things being considered, this book is an interesting concept with a so-so execution.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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