A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker

Mastermind Ted Dekker takes on Jesus.

With a story ten years in the making, A.D. 30 may be the most personally transforming book of Ted's.

The catch is, Jesus doesn't make much of an appearance. The story is about a warrior princess named Maviah. (or is she a slave) She is on a quest to seek King Herod's assistance with a battle of clans.

I have to tell you, the opening scene and the gut-wrenching death almost did me in. I almost stopped reading because I was so distraught. What was Dekker doing to me?!?!?!

But you fight through it and you'll get a huge reward.

There are many "trudging through the desert" scenes to get through. Once the trio of characters, Maviah and her three protectors, make it to civilization, then the real intrigue begins. And even yet, Jesus is just a whisper.

The ideas brought forth in this book began with his previous series (Eyes Wide Open, Water Walker, and Hacker) and I personally think Dekker did a better job presenting those ideas in the previous books. However, this will still stick with you and cause you to ponder the reality of what Jesus was preaching.

Everything is done from a new perspective around Jesus. You meet the women suffering from blood loss, you get to sit down and hash things out with the people only glanced at in Scripture.

This is another solid entry from Dekker. I can't wait to see what he does with the sequel.

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

Their Name Is Today by Johann Arnold

Are you a bit uneasy with the idea of raising a child in today's world? Then you need to read this book.

While a few of the things Arnold brings up may sound like "duh" as in be aware of what your child sees you doing in addition to what you say, you'll also read about reasons to hope.

There are so many horribly scary things in this world and even next door. But there are so many more beautiful things to be aware of and to project onto your children.

This little book will encourage you with the real-life stories as well as the practical advice on so many topics like education and boundaries.

Even if you find yourself not totally in agreement with what Arnold believes, you'll at least come away from this easy read with a brighter outlook and an encouraged attitude.

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

Setting Your Church Free by Neil Anderson and Charles Mylander

This book used be titled Extreme Church Makeover and before that it was called Setting Your Church Free so it seems the authors/publishers can't make up their minds.

Be that as it may, this book is fantastic for anyone looking to help walk their church through conflict.

There are twelve chapters devoted to: protect from the devil, start Christ-centered ministries, balance power, choosing correct leadership, leaders who serve, creating a church in communion, finding strengths and weaknesses, dealing with memories, fighting off demonic attacks as well as plans and strategies for success.

At the back of the book you'll find a step-by-step plan and a prayer-action plan.

This is a treasure trove of knowlege and practical application.
Anderson and Mylander really usher you through the process and help you bring clarity to your congregation.

It has to start with a biblical foundation - what do the people believe about themselves? Are they just going through the church motions or is there some past power-play involved?

Every minister needs a copy of this book. Then they need to have their church leaders read this and discuss it.

This could bring healing to so many disfunctional churches.

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

The Skeletons in God's Closet by Joshua Butler

Another book tackling the issue of hell, war, an image of a violent God, and other "hot button topics" surrounding the church.

Butler does a fantastic job unpacking these issues. His writing style is very easy and comfortable. While this book feels thick, you'll find yourself sitting on the couch being unable to put this down because he pulls you along with gentleness.

While he's not as in-your-face as a Rob Bell, I'm sure some Fundamentalists will not be happy with his words. Butler will stretch you. He will create moments for deep, clear thinking. It's almost a pastoral book in that, again, you simply feel at ease reading about such divisive topics.

Why does God command so much violence in the Old Testament? Why does God send good people to hell? What about...

This book immerses itself in these questions, and others, and answers them in a worthy manner.

This would be a great book to give to a friend who wonders these things. This would be a great book if you have found yourself pondering such questions. While you may not totally agree with everything Butler says, he'll help you formulate your thoughts. He'll help you better understand why things were said and what they meant.

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

Crap Taxidermy by Kat Su

Bizarre and sort of freaky.

This is how I would describe this small hardcover book.

From all over the world, we get images of taxidermy gone wrong and the results are terrifying. Cats, squirrels, lions, horses, bears; you'd be amazed at what sick people can do to dead animal carcasses.

It starts out as being funny. You laugh out loud at the grotesque imagry. But then, page after page, you start to feel weird just by continuing to look at the pictures. They are demented, creepy and unsettling sometimes.

I suppose this is based off of a website with similar images (similar to Awkward Family Photos) but this goes beyond odd to unnerving.

Give it as a gag gift and then beg for forgiveness.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Ten Speed Press.

Sharkman by Steve Alten

I wasn't sure what to think when I read the synopsis of this book. I was used to Alten's sea creature novels and this sounded a bit left-field for him.

A paralyzed boy gets a chance to regain the use of his legs but at what cost? Once this book was finished I felt like I had read a reincarnation of Peter Benchley's White Shark. Or maybe a prequel/reboot.

Alten knows how to write quick plot-driven stories. Once we got into the scientific aspects of the tale I was hooked. I pushed myself really hard to get past the early "school drama" and the teenage relationship stuff.

It ends up with an exciting climactic race and I'm hoping to see a new series of books spawned from this first one.

Kwan is the name of the boy without the use of his legs due to an unfortunate accident. The son of a ruthless military brass man, living with an older relative, victim of endless embarrassments. I wasn't sure if he was going to be a likable protaganist and maybe that's the idea. He's abrupt, brash, and boorish.

The other characters fill in nicely with the rest of the story as we experience Kwan's transformation. The villains are ruthless. You'll be chomping at the bit to see if they get theirs by the end.

And again, I hope Alten continues the exploits of Sharkman!

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

Journey to Jesus DVD Curriculum

This is a 6-session video series intended to show how Christians can build christ-centered friendships with Muslims.

Sessions 1 and 2 deal with two moms as they connect over children, husbands working and how they deepen their friendship following a family crisis. These two will explore our attitudes toward those with different faiths.

Sessions 3 and 4 deal with coworkers talking about their faiths and we watch to see if they will continue to be friends or not because of their faith. These sessions introduce the Muslim faith and culture to viewers.

Sessions 5 and 6 deal with college students tasked with learning about each other's worldview. The conversations are much stronger than the previous two. These final sessions will help you understand how to share your faith with a Muslim.

The videos are top quality and perfect for a Sunday School or Small Group setting. The actors are good and the storylines keep you interested.

I liked how the ideas were realistice rather than a lecture-based "talk like this and point this out" dry boring and useless. The DVDs came with the videos (3 per DVD) and a powerpoint presentation that someone COULD use in their class but I wouldn't recommend it.

Some may not like this resource simply because it deals with Muslims and treating them with respect and kindness.

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

Noah by Mark Ludy

There are no words to this book, it is simply a fantastic picture book.

Mark Ludy has real talent with telling a story with images.

Noah has captured the imagination of everyone who has heard the story. With the release of the major motion picture, even more people are interested in this story.

Ludy takes us to Noah's life. We see the world in which he lived, and the animals he cared for.

The illustrations are so vivid you actually feel the emotion from the faces of the characters. The pages are filled with colorful tales so you will catch new things after repeated viewings. (see if you can spot the dinosaurs)

I love looking at this book with my son and creating the words the people say. We can look at the book everyday and never grow tired. We've used this for a bedtime story most of the week.

This is a fantastic book for your shelf.

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