I Will Not Fear by Melba Pattillo Beals

I will not Fear by Melba Beals recounts the author's experiences as one of the Little Rock nine, a single mother, and as a ground breaking journalist. 

The narrative is open, honest, and heart wrenching as Beals invites readers into the life and realities of the girl behind the news reports. At heart,  Beals is a storyteller who infuses humanity back into the headlines. I was already familiar with the nine students in Little Rock who were chosen to desegregate the student population but the wisdom and care Beals takes to tell her story and highlight the memories she's chosen to share takes the events  and places them back into their human context with all the emotion, doubt, and reality that was facing the students  and families  that lived through that time.

As a reader, I also appreciated Beals way of summarizing each story, each lesson, into a truth she learned about faith and/or God at the end of each chapter. The statement served to  add another layer to the  previous story and allows readers to assume the viewpoint the author held  when conveying her message. 

This is definitely a book I could see being worked into a homeschooling curriculum as Beals story covers such a wide array of topics from the historical events at Little Rock and the fallout of that first year to  her career in journalism, to the lessons of faith she has developed over a lifetime, to the experiences of racism both overt and subtle she has faced with grace over the years.

While at times the material may feel repetitive, I felt that adds credibility as the story feels like someone sharing and processing their memories,  a process that is rarely clean and straightforward.

4 out of 5 stars 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Hurt Road by Mark Lee of Third Day

As a long-time Third Day fan, I couldn't  resist taking a peak into Mark Lee's new book Hurt Road. As a reader, I was pleased to find that this is a book that can be appreciated regardless of your musical tastes.

Mark Lee may be Third Day's guitarist but with Hurt Road he also proves himself to be a gifted storyteller. Mark has that special ability to share life and lessons by weaving them into the retelling of past events, not shying away  from the painful or the struggle but recognizing the value within those moments. 

Mark's writing style felt very laid back and conversational making the book an easy read technically. However, he did not hold back from conveying emotions that could  be more difficult to share as he walked through his time recovering  from a vehicle accident and his father's death in high school.

For those who are fans of Third Day,  there is the extra treat of backstage insight into the band's earliest days as Nuclear Hoedown and the slow journey of God's transforming work in the band and in Mark's own life.

4 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Taking My Life Back by Rebekah Gregory

On April 15, 2013, Rebekah Gregory and her five-year-old son waited at the finish line of the Boston Marathon to support a friend who was running. When the blast of a homemade bomb packed with nails and screws went off three feet away, Rebekah’s legs took the brunt of the explosion, protecting her son from certain death. Seventeen surgeries and sixty-five procedures later, she finally made the decision to have her left leg amputated.

(excerpt from back of book)

Gregory states early in her book that she sees herself as a survivor and her book bears testament to this statement. Although her book does spend a large portion of time exploring the events which took place at the 2013 Marathon and her following recovery, Gregory also spends much of the book guiding readers through  the life events and challenges that helped shape her into the woman she is today. This ability to see Gregory through milestones from childhood to the present  help bring her response to the 2013 tragedy and events following into a wider context and far more impactful story.

The stories themselves are compelling. Gregory paints her life with passion and is unapologetic in her testimony. There is a real sense of Gregory's heart within these  pages as she speaks of those closest to her, particularly  her little boy Noah. It is here, in  Gregory's ability  to convey emotion that the book shines brightest.

Structurally, the book felt somewhat disjointed at times creating an effect which was jarring in a way that was separate from the content.   This combined with sections where Gregory was still obviously working through the accompanying negative emotions (for example internet trolls) left portions of the book feeling disconnected by presenting very different tones and voices.

Rebekah Gregory is a gifted speaker. For fans of human interest or biographies Gregory's story is well worth the time for its passion and human perspective on a widely known tragedy. That said, the story structure does lend itself more strongly,at times, to spoken rather than written word.

3.5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

The Lucky Few by Heather Avis

 When Heather and Josh Avis decided to grow their family, adoption and Down Syndrome were never in their plans. Yet after adopting three children, two of whom have Down Syndrome, they quickly discovered that God's best for their life would be found in the most unlikely places, and how lucky they were to have journeyed there.

(Excerpt from back of book)

So, my husband probably rolled his eyes a little when I said I was reading another book on adoption. Every few months one slips onto the nightstand and usually sparks some wonderfully interesting discussions. This time, though, I was curious to see how Heather and Josh Avis had been taken on their own journey to parenting 3 very special little ones full of life, love, and loss while maintaining  the view  that they are "the lucky few" a view point that may seem sadly unusual for those looking in for the first time. Having finished this read, I count myself lucky for having  stumbled upon this gem of a book.

Heather has the wonderful gift of being able to infuse her personality into each word she writes. You don't just get a sense of her message but her heart and passion as well.

 Reading the book, I felt, was less being presented someone's story and more of being invited to share in it for a time being. Heather's writing is inviting and engaging as she seeks to introduce their own unique form of normal.

Although Heather keeps her tone more upbeat, she does not shy away from sharing both the highs and the lows of their adoption journey. For some, this may make the book an uncomfortable read.

You see, as you read about surgeries, family celebrations, the questions of family and strangers , navigating  life  with medical equipment, , and everything else that the Avis' have encountered and welcomed into their lives over the last decade it becomes apparent that it is no superpower but  rather their strong faith and willingness to say yes in scary situations that have allowed them into being some of "the lucky few." . Although adoption tends to be  a hot topic to begin with, to be truly open and vulnerable while protecting the children involved is a delicate balance that  Heather handles with grace. To see her openly talk about challenges with bonding, the joys of toddlerhood  in both easy and hard time, to see her own journey of understanding the other when it comes to birth families both present and apart are discussions that anyone considering adoption should be  aware of and this book serves as a gentle introduction to these important topics.

For myself, I loved sharing, even if only over a few pages, Heather and her family's journey. Heather's openness on the pages and  the sheer familiarity of family life that she shares with grace and humour allows for a read that is both eye-opening as well as  page turning. I'll confess, after  hearing the doctor's initial prognosis on one of the lovely Avis children I quickly popped over to the picture section to check on their  progress, with such engaging stories it's hard not  to root this family forward.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Between Heaven & the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman

When reading Between Heaven & the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman a few  things become abundantly clear.

1.  He loves deeply whether it is his God, his family, or his music.

2. Chapman has a tendency to ramble when he isn't reined.

3. He believes he has been given a message to share and the gifts and space to convey that message.

I firmly believe all three of those points.

While Between Heaven & the Real World can ramble at times, this book overflows with the open, honest testimony of a man in his highest moments and most broken hours and the God who was faithfully walking with him every step of the way. The result, even in an advanced reader copy, was captivating.

The book itself has an easy, natural flow throughout its pages, hearkening to Chapman's gift at storytelling which comes out in full force. Despite being easy to read, this is by no means an easy read. Chapman openly talks about everything from childhood hurts and career uncertainties to challenges in adoption, health (mental and physical),and the death of a child. While some of these stories may not be unfamiliar to those familiar with Chapman as a musician or advocate, the frankness and faith with which he discusses his life and family opens up conversations that are often overlooked within the church.

For fans of Chapman's music there is plenty of background information shared throughout. Everything from his introduction to music, to the beginning of his career, to inspiration for some well known songs. Although I've been listening to Chapman since high school I was surprised to see what an up-and-down road he's traveled in his career and find his music more meaningful and accessible (to my surprise) seeing the story behind the song.

For those familiar with his work in advocacy and orphan care, a solid portion of the book covers his family life including the journey to bring home the three youngest Chapman girls and the process of grief and healing the Chapman's underwent as a family with  the sudden, tragic loss of Maria. I  don't cry often in books but this is definitely one to have the kleenex nearby as you read through Maria's incredible journey to becoming a Chapman, her sudden loss, and the honest grief, confusion, and eventually hope that came out of the family's vulnerability and faith centered grieving. 

This is not an easy book to classify. It runs the gambit of emotions, highs and lows, victories and successes, but always clearly and boldly points back to the faith and God that has carried Steven Curtis Chapman through it all.

5 out of 5 stars

To get your own copy check out http://stevencurtischapman.com/ or Amazon.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Riley Unlikely by Riley Banks Snyder

Take one teenage girl, add a dream to go to Africa, stir in a lot of faith, and what do you get?

Riley Unlikely.

Riley Unlikely  is  the story of Riley Banks Snyder teenage founder of Generation Next and teenage missionary who has a heart for the children of Africa and a passion for partnering with them receive to receive the education and medical care they deserve.

I loved  Riley's down to earth style and the honest, conversational way she chronicled her own journey from a young, enthusiastic though naive teen girl  to a compassionate and talented young woman with a heart to use her talents and gifts to partner with the children of Eastern Africa. I found her writing style engaging and filled with personality. While Riley may mention her shyness and possibly introverted nature throughout the book, like so many others she shines through on the pages inviting readers to listen, learn, and find their own passion. 

I also appreciated Riley's honesty. The realities of culture shock, the overwhelming feelings when faced with need, the game changing diagnosis, and all the other shifts in plans. Although Riley comes through as a seemingly upbeat young lady she is also open and real about the struggles she has faced on this journey and the way that played out in her relationships and faith. I felt this was so important as young readers (or older readers who love a good biography) encounter those same ups and downs and the books which simply gloss over the hard give no aid or encouragement when struggle inevitably happens.

I also enjoyed that Riley included pictures, driving home the people  and the words of her story because even in the midst of the ups and downs Riley so openly describes the pictures show a young woman exuding joy while working alongside the  people who have so firmly grabbed a space in her heart.

I really did enjoy the book,  between Riley's writing, the wonderful example of faith, and the powerful message of what anyone  (even a shy, young teenager) can do when they follow their call instead of the  crowd combines for a memorable book.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Everything Is Possible: Finding the Faith and Courage to Follow Your Dreams by Jen Bricker

When Jen Bricker was born without legs, her shocked biological parents were uncertain they could care for her and gave her up for adoption. In her loving adoptive home, there was just one simple rule: “Never say ‘can’t.'” And pretty soon there was nothing this small but mighty powerhouse set her sights on that she couldn’t conquer, including roller-skating, volleyball, power tumbling, and spinning from silk fabric thirty feet in the air.

Everything Is Possible is her incredible story–a story of God working out his plan for her life frombefore day one. Let Jen show you what you can accomplish when you remove the words coincidence and can’t from your vocabulary.

(excerpt from back of book)

Jen's personality shines through the pages as she lays out her life thus far. In fact, most of her  book reads more as a conversation - bubbly, reflective, and sometimes a bit rambling. 

Everything is Possible covers a wide  variety of topics from adoption and finding one's birth family (this was the reason I was familiar with the author it is quite the story), overcoming adversity, and the transitions which accompany every teen moving into adulthood. Jen's story reads like a tv movie  between her adventures in gymnastics to working at Disney and eventually joining Britney Spears Circus tour. Supported by her adoptive and biological family, Jen steadily reads as a  strong female role model who incorporates faith and optimism into every moment of her life. 

At times I felt a bit conflicted regarding the tone of the book. The author mentions some serious topics but rarely, if ever, loses her optimistic, bubbly tone. This could very well be her personality as it's hard to tell from a biography but, at times, it also felt as if those harder moments weren't given the gravity they  deserved.

I felt this book would be best received by those who enjoy biographies, stories of people overcoming  the odds,  and pre-teen/teen girls who are trying to find their own direction in life.

3.5 out of 5  stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."