The Wayfinding Bible

A new way to read the Bible. In fact, this could be three ways to read the Bible.

Tyndale has released The Wayfinding Bible. An NLT version that boasts three alternative ways to read through the stories. Check out the trailer here.

Flyover covers 54 segments that give a basic, "big story" chronological overview of events.
Direct covers 215 segments that shows how the entire Bible fits together.
Scenic covers 386 segments that goes through some well known and less known passages.

When I first opened this Bible, I tried the Flyover route. At the top of every page shows you the direction of each of the three routes. Each route has a corresponding icon to go with it: flyover has a jet, direct is a straight arrow, and scenic is a wavy arrow. These icons appear at the verse where you are to begin reading and at the end where you are to stop.

The confusing part was the fact that I had to repeatedly go back to where I started reading in order to find the next page I was to turn to. It would have been better if the "next reading" page would have been stated at the end.

Located throughout the readings are added bonuses to keep the readings fresh. "Getting Your Bearings" pulls you back from the story to give a summary. "Where in the World are We?" gives a geological location.

The Observation Points and Exploration Points give background context and connection to Jesus insights.

This version of the Bible is so much more than just a splashy three-way reading optioned book. There are introductions to each book of the Bible, Historical markers that give specific details of what happened to a location you just read about, Side Trips are short topic-based readings to highlight what you're reading.

These added features are compiled in an easy to find grouping at the back of the Bible.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale Publishing.

Outlaw by Ted Dekker

Ted Dekker returns to form with this prequel (of sorts) to Eyes Wide Open.

It's 1963, a mother is traveling, by sea, with her son. The horrific happens when the ship wreaks and the two are separated. Julian believes her son drowned in the storm and she is captured by savage tribe in the middle of nowhere, earth. Thus begins her terror-filled existence in a culture she can't understand.

Dekker has entered a new focus to his storytelling. What began as hints in Sovereign now come to full force in Outlaw. Why are Christians some of the most miserable people alive? If we are people set free from sin, why are we so depressed and defeated?

Dekker tackles this question within his adrenaline-laced plot and intriguing characters. There are moments with the jungle tribes that feel repetitive: Julian is constantly threatened with death and you're sure it's coming only to be left to live another day ... with the threat of death tomorrow. After a few chapters of this, I no longer cared.

The richness of the jungle tribes and setting come about because of Dekker's obvious personal history living in Indonesia. As you read the first part of the story, you are actually experiencing the surroundings with Julian. It feels/reads so real.

The latter part of the story take a twist with typical Dekker-yanks.

It's at this point where you realize where he's going with this story and then the larger series. (If you've read the Eyes Wide Open series you'll have a head's start)

This is an absolutely fantastic read not only for the story but for the deep thoughts you'll be left with.

I can't wait for the next one!

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Center Street Publishing.

Little Book of Great Dates by Erin and Greg Smalley

I was hoping to read a small book of ideas for dates.

What I read was a small book that repeated the same kind of dates we've all gone on but added "discussion" topics.

The Smalleys begin each page with a short devotional. Then they offer the date idea which typically boils down to: bowling, laser tag, indoor wall climbing, a nice dinner, movie, or going for a hike.

Of course, there are other options through out the fifty some dates but it seemed like the dates became repetitive. The bonus sections for each date deals with how you and your date "debrief" afterwards. There are questions to ask one another.

All in all, I was a bit disappointed in this book. My expectations were too high for something like this. When I see a title of "Great Dates", I expect great date ideas and not just more of the same.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale Publishing.

A Man Called Blessed by Ted Dekker

Re-released sequel to Blessed Child.

Dekker returns to the world of Caleb, the boy who could do miracles. But now he's grown and there's a couple who need his help in a fight against terrorists.

I read this book during a family vacation and it almost caused me to miss the entire vacation. My nose was stuck in this story.

This is a great example of early Dekker writing. Biblical intrigue to reel in the evangelicals and the high octane thrill ride that marked many of his later writings. You'll get romance, suspense, and political/theological commentary all wrapped in one package.

The only downside may be in the climax - it moves fairly quickly and seems rushed to print.

But make no mistake, this is a terrific Dekker novel.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

The Obedient Master by Timothy Keller

As you may already tell, I enjoy reading anything by Timothy Keller.

His Encounters with Jesus e-book series are fabulous. With his eighth volume, he addresses what was going on with Jesus when he was wrestling in the garden of Gethsemane.

These are short books but they punch so much information and pastoral care into the explanations, I can't help but want to share them with everyone I talk to.

Why would Jesus be so distraught that night in the garden? Sure, he must have known what was coming his way in the coming hours but Keller has some further insight that totally makes this entire series.

For Jesus, the relationship He had with God was pure and untarnished. We have no clue what kind of link they truly had. Our own experience has to be tarnished with our sin but we still have God part of us. For Jesus, it was much stronger; that is until the garden.

Keller makes the claim that it was at this point when Jesus began to feel the loss of relationship with God that culminates to his crying out, "My God, why have you forsaken me?!" on the cross.

There is plenty more to this book but it was this one point that I focused on and couldn't let go.

With expert prose, Keller takes us on a journey of intellect and emotion that left me breathless. I closed the Kindle reader and praised God.

This is one of the greatest short explorations of Christ in the garden that I have ever read.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Dutton Publishing.

Star Wars: Razor's Edge by Martha Wells

I wanted to enjoy this book because it takes place between episodes four and five but it failed to capture the adventure.

In the last Star Wars expanded universe novel I read, I couldn't get into it because it took place so far removed from the films. I wanted this story to be so much better but for whatever reason, I cannot engage with these stories.

Luke, Leia, Han Solo, and the gang are attempting to find resources for their new rebel base codename "Echo". The book begins with an imperial chase and then space pirates. Then it nosedives into some silly situations. (a game?)

One of the highlights of Wells' story is the progression of the princess. You really get inside her thoughts and how she adjusts from figurehead to active participant in the rebellion. And the emotional toll that comes from watching her home planet be destroyed.

Other than that character points, this book was not at all enjoyable. And I feel really about that. I think, at this point, the problem rests with me and how I process the Expanded Universe novels of Star Wars.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Lucas Books.