Breaking Cover by Michelle Rigby Assad- a fascinating autobiography!

Breaking Cover (My Secret Life in the CIA and What it taught me about what's worth Fighting For (Hardcover) 
by Michelle Rigby Assad

  Not all books are as interesting as the title suggests but I assure you this one is. The autobiography of Michelle Rigby Assad, this book reveals for the first time many of the author's adventures and experiences in various places, many of them dangerous. It also includes her life story and how she was able to enter the CIA. Furthermore, the book concludes with explaining the interesting and important work Michelle and her husband currently do. I really do not want to give away any of the fascinating details of this real-life adventure but will leave it up to you to read it!

An Asian Harvest: An Autobiography by Paul Hattaway

An Asian Harvest: An Autobiography

by Paul Hattaway A gripping autobiography from missionary and Bible courier Paul Hattaway, author of The Heavenly Man'

    This is the recently-published autobiography of a missionary to China! It is a very in depth biography and gives a well-rounded picture of the author's life both before and during China missions. At first, before I really got to know the missionary, I found the book a little tedious and too detailed. however, as I continued reading I got more interested in the author's life. I also began to appreciate his Godly character qualities and found myself agreeing with and admiring his stance on many issues. In fact, since the author includes his regular struggles in life, I found this a helpful book just for life in general, not to mention mission life. As for the life in China, this book is very interesting and a testimony to God's faithfulness! 

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Paul Hattaway was a high-school dropout from New Zealand--homeless, hungry, and lonely--before he found faith. But once he encountered the love of God and read the Bible, Paul never looked back. The rest of his life has centered on making sure all the people of Asia have Bibles of their own.Through Asian Harvest, Paul has traveled to Laos, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and many other Asian countries bringing the gospel with him. His ministry has provided over ten million Bibles to China alone, and has sponsored more than fifteen hundred Asian missionaries.

The story of Paul's conversion, the fascinating places he's faithfully followed God to, the struggles with the realities of the mission field and other missionaries, and the incredible miracles God has performed along the way make An Asian Harvest a remarkable, inspiring read.  

Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey by Dion Leonard

Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey

by Dion Leonard

 This is such a sweet story. Originally a longer book written in an autobiographical style, this version is made simpler for teenage and younger readers. It also includes the perspective of the little dog Gobi! I thought this tale unusual yet believable and interesting. I was captivated from start to finish. Of course, as an older reader I wasn't a fan of the portions containing the dog's thoughts however there was nothing wrong with it for younger readers. I'm just too mature for such things. ;P

Your young reader will greatly enjoy this true story!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bring home the incredible true story of a friendship so strong that it crosses the globe! You will love the inspiring tale of Gobi, a lost dog who kept pace with an ultramarathon runner, Dion Leonard, across a vast desert. Follow their unlikely friendship through the challenges of an 80-mile race and Dion’s struggle to bring Gobi home for good.

Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey is the incredible true story of Dion Leonard, an athlete who was befriended by a stray dog while running an ultramarathon through the Gobi Desert. Named for the desert in which he found her, Gobi became Dion’s closest companion for 77 miles of the 155-mile race across China. The scrappy little pup ran mile after mile alongside Dion, through treacherous conditions and across raging rivers. He let her sleep in his tent and share his food, and eventually, his focus shifted from winning to the newfound friendship he and Gobi shared.

They crossed the finish line together—not first, but together—and Dion decided to bring Gobi home to Scotland. Just before they were about to leave, however, Gobi disappeared, setting off a worldwide search for the stray. In a town of more than 3 million people, the search seemed hopeless, but this tale of friendship will surprise and delight you as you find out what happens!

Join the almost too-good-to-be-true story of hope, friendship, and beating incredible odds in Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey by Dion Leonard.

Run with Me: The Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion by Sanya Richards-Ross

 

Run with Me: The Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion

by Sanya Richards-Ross

For as long as four-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross can remember, life has been measured in seconds—the fewer, the better.


The Jamaican-American sprinter has been a star track and field athlete since she first began racing, ranking No. 1 in the world and bringing home Olympic and World Championship accolades. A role model for runners around the world, Sanya’s For as long as four-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross can remember, life has been measured in seconds—the fewer, the better.

Another autobiography about famous athletes from this publisher, Run With Me is as excellent as the others. This one is about Sanya Richards-Ross and is incredibly inspiring. I absolutely loved reading about this talented runner's life. I appreciated how the book included much about her faith. in fact, the whole book is written around key points of living a life of faith. Readers of all ages will greatly enjoy this book. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.


The Jamaican-American sprinter has been a star track and field athlete since she first began racing, ranking No. 1 in the world and bringing home Olympic and World Championship accolades. A role model for runners around the world, Sanya’s incredible success is matched only by her spirit both on and off the track.


From her early days running in Jamaica to her final race, Sanya shares the importance of determination, courage and faith. She uses the 4 Ps—push, pace, position and poise—a model created by her coach, Clyde Hart, to approach and tackle every obstacle. In her book, Sanya reveals how these strategies have helped her and will help kids learn how to run their best race in life

I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair by Patrick Gray/Justin Skeesuck

I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair

by Patrick Gray, Justin Skeesuck

   From the moment I read the subtitle of this book, I knew it would be a rare and interesting read. This is an account written by both Justin and Patrick of their unusual and incredible trip together on the 500-mile trek called the Camino de Santiago. The incredible factor? Justin is wheel-chair bound yet was able to traverse the total 500-miles with the help of his childhood best friend Patrick as well as many other volunteers met along the journey. This is an extremely interesting and oftentimes humorous account. I appreciated how Patrick included his own spiritual growth which occurred along the trail. What Patrick learned about himself and the way he treated his wife and children back home was life-changing and I'm so glad it was described in the pages of this book.

Personally, I didn't care for a lot of the humour in this book. But what can you say when it's two guys writing such an account? Apart from that, it was a very good book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Two best friends, 500 miles, one wheelchair, and the challenge of a lifetime.
Friendship takes on new meaning in this true story of Justin and Patrick, born less than two days apart in the same hospital. Best friends their whole lives, they grew up together, went to school together, and were best man in each other's weddings. When Justin was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease that robbed him of the use of his arms and legs, Patrick was there, helping to feed and care for him in ways he'd never imagined. Determined to live life to the fullest, the friends refused to give into despair or let physical limitations control what was possible for Justin.

So when Justin heard about the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trek through Spain, he wondered aloud to Patrick whether the two of them could ever do it. Patrick's immediate response was: "I'll push you."

I'll Push You is the real-life story of this incredible journey. A travel adventure full of love, humor, and spiritual truth, it exemplifies what every friendship is meant to be and shows what it means to never find yourself alone. You'll discover how love and faith can push past all limits--and make us the best versions of ourselves.

An Outlaw and a Lady by Jessi Colter David Ritz

An Outlaw and a Lady: A Memoir of Music, Life with Waylon, and the Faith that Brought Me Home

by Jessi Colter, David Ritz

  I love autobiographies. They a wonderful view into a person's life. When autobiographies are co-written by a slightly less biased author, they are really enjoyable to read. This one was written by Jessi Colter with the help of David Ritz and was extremely interesting. Whether you are familiar with the singer and songwriter Jessi Colter and/or Waylon Jennings or, like me, had never heard of them before, you will find this book interesting. I must add however that although I had an easy time reading this book, I was confused about the spiritual transformations supposedly experienced by both Jessi and Waylon. In contrast with other autobiographies I've read, the author in this book didn't write much about her own heart change and new spiritual life. She did include much about Waylon's reformation. Considering the church beliefs of the couple, I am left in slight confusion as to what they really believe about true Christianity. However, this was, as I've stated in the start, interesting to read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Renowned songwriter, singer, and wife of Waylon Jennings writes an intimate, enormously entertaining memoir of American music, of life with Waylon and the Outlaws, and of faith lost and found.


The daughter of a Pentecostal evangelist and a race-car driver, Jessi Colter played piano and sang in church before leaving Arizona to tour with rock-n-roll pioneer Duane Eddy, whom she married. Colter became a successful recording artist, appearing on American Bandstand and befriending stars such as the Everly Brothers and Chet Atkins, while her songs were recorded by Nancy Sinatra, Dottie West, and others. Her marriage to Eddy didn’t last, however, and in 1969 she married the electrifying Waylon Jennings. Together, they made their home in Nashville which in the 1970s, was ground zero for roots music, drawing Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Shel Silverstein, and others to the Nashville Sound. And Jessi was at the center of it all, the only woman on the landmark Wanted: The Outlaws album, the record that launched the Outlaw Country genre and was the first country album to go platinum. She also tasted personal commercial success with the #1-single “I’m Not Lisa.”


But offstage, life was a challenge, as Waylon pursued his addictions and battled his demons. Having drifted from the church as a young woman, Jessi returned to her faith and found in it a source of strength in the turmoil of living with Waylon. In the 1980s, Waylon helped launch the super group The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, and the hits kept rolling, as did Waylon’s reckless living. Amid it all, Jessi faithfully prayed for her husband until finally, at Thanksgiving 2001, Waylon found Jesus, just months before he died.


An Outlaw and a Lady is a powerful story of American music, of love in the midst of heartache, and of faith that sustains. 

Faith in Crisis: How God Shows Up When You Need Him Most by Jim/Shirley Carroll

Faith in Crisis: How God Shows Up When You Need Him Most

by Jim Carroll (Goodreads Author), Shirley Carroll

On August 2, 1990 Iraqi forces, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded the tiny Persian Gulf nation of Kuwait. Jim and Shirley Carroll were missionaries on assignment when the first shots were fired. This is their story...

This is a true story of faith under fire.

This story is as unusual as it sounds. It is the autobiography of a man separated from his family because of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. With his family in America and him in Kuwait, he had to live about four months not knowing when or if he would ever be able to see his loved ones again. This book also includes his wife's perspective, giving a well-rounded view of the experience. I thought this an interesting book. However, if was really too lengthy and detailed for the content. The author, having lived through this time remembered every detail and found them important but I think an editor or third author should have helped make this book more concise and flow better. The writing style is a little too simple for the length of the book. Also, the faith is not as emphasized as it could be. This is a detailed account of Jim Carroll's forced stay in invaded Kuwait. The author is obviously Christian and he is pretty humble throughout the book. However, it is not a life-changing story of faith. Although there is a good conclusion to the story, there is no specific climax either.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

This Life I Live by Rory Feek

This Life I Live: One Man's Extraordinary, Ordinary Life and the Woman Who Changed It Forever

by Rory Feek

The love story that captured the heart of the nation

Joey and Rory Feek were enjoying a steadily growing fan base in country music when Joey was diagnosed unexpectedly with a rapidly spreading cancer. This vibrant and beautiful young woman would soon be on a unique journey for which no one is ever fully prepared. Her husband, Rory, and children, Heidi, Hopie, and Indiana, were beside her each step of the way. Rory, a prolific songwriter, entrepreneur, farmer, and overall tender man, has seen God bless his life in countless unexpected ways and had started a blog, thislifeilive.com, not really knowing its purpose other than he needed to write. That purpose soon became clearer when Joey’s cancer battle hit.

By inviting so many into the final months of Joey’s life, this astounding couple captured the hearts of millions with their powerful love story, the manner in which they were handling the diagnosis, and the inspiring simple way they had chosen to live their lives.

In this vulnerable book, Rory takes us into his own challenging life story and shows what can happen when God brings both his presence and the right companion into our lives. He also gives never-before-revealed details on what he calls “the long goodbye,” the blessing of being able to know that life is going to end and taking advantage of it. Feek shows how we all are actually there already and how we can learn to live that way every day. He then goes into detail toward the end of the book on what it’s like to try to move on with your life once you’ve “had it all.”  

 I had never heard of Rory and Joey Feek (having only become interested in country-style music recently) so I began this autobiography/memoir excited to get to know this couple. From the first few chapters, I was deeply interested. As I continued in the book, I couldn't wait to listen to their music and watch their videos. This book is a remarkable and touching story. But it is more than that. It is a wonderful testimony to God's work of salvation in Rory's life and the strength and faith which resulted. I love how this book shows a distinct Before and After. And it is obvious that the Rory in the Before was a totally different man than the Rory in the After. His testimony of salvation is bold and victorious. And he has so much joy and hope even after the loss of his beautiful and loving wife Joey. This book is a must-read. Men and women alike will love and learn from the story in this new book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

He Will Be the Preacher: The Story of God's Providence in My Life by Erwin W. Lutzer

He Will Be the Preacher: The Story of God's Providence in My Life

by Erwin W. Lutzer

The title comes from a sentence uttered by an elderly woman who was a friend of Erwin Lutzer's parents when Erwin was only a baby. Whether that statement was a momentary inspiration or an actual prompting of the Holy Spirit, either way it proved to be prophetically true. This is the story of Erwin Lutzer's life and how he became a preacher and the pastor of Moody church. This autobiography is detailed without becoming tedious and interesting to any readers whether your are already aware of who Erwin Lutzer is or not. I personally love and learn so much from Mr. Lutzer's books and sermons so was excited to read all about his life. I am so glad this book focuses on God's hand of providence in Erwin Lutzer's life. It is made very clear throughout this book that although man makes his plans, God directs his ways. This was both an interesting and informative read as well as a testimony to God's leading and Lutzer's listening in life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Let's Be Real: Living Life as an Open and Honest You by Natasha Bure

Let's Be Real: Living Life as an Open and Honest You

by Natasha Bure

foreword by Sadie Robertson

    This is an autobiographical/conversational/inspirational book from YouTube celebrity Natasha Bure. Whether you are already a fan of Natasha or like me, got to know her through this book you will benefit from and enjoy reading this book. I am so excited that famous and admired women and girls are making a stand for being real in this world where people think they have to copy famous people to be happy! In this book, Natasha Bure (who, by the way is Candace Cameron Bure's daughter!) is honest and open and humble. Teenagers especially will grow from reading this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

From singer, model and YouTube celebrity Natasha Bure, the daughter of Candace Cameron Bure, comes a real, honest conversational book that doesn’t hold back. Everywhere she goes and every video she posts has one basic message: this is real, this is life, and we all go through it. Whether it’s acne, boyfriends, faith, stress, or having fun, Natasha’s view is to simply be honest, simply be real, no matter what you face. Natasha’s real and relatable tone paired with personal notes and stories will help readers see that living a “real” life is the best life.

Under the Cover of Light by Carole Engle Avriett and Thomas Jerry Curtis

Under the Cover of Light: The Extraordinary Story of USAF Col Thomas "Jerry" Curtis's 7 1/2 -Year Captivity in North Vietnam

by Carole Engle Avriett, Thomas "Jerry" Curtis (Contributor)

This is the amazing autobiography of a colonel shot down down over North Vietnam in 1965. Colonel Thomas ''Jerry'' Curtis' life was changed as he endured the next 7 1/2 years in brutal captivity. That alone should be enough to make anybody want to read this biography, right? Add to it the fact that this account is a testimony of how a true Christian's faith is strengthened under hardships and trials such as this. Over and over again I was astounded by the fortitude Jerry showed. I absolutely loved how this book emphasized God's faithfulness and the hope Jerry had through Christ. This is a must-read! At first it took me a while to get into the book but for some (good) reason by the third chapter I was fully interested and didn't want to put the book down. I believe the reason I wasn't as engaged at first was that there are so many foundational details the author (Carole Avriett) is trying to lay down in the first chapters before getting to the action as it were. I found the writing style a little choppy (especially after being spoiled by Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken). However, I think the writing style definitely improved further into the tale! One thing I loved about this book was the absence of foul language and crude names which were given by the Americans to their tormentors. (''Unbroken'' includes all the rude names given to the torturous captors and many of them are unrepeatable) I found this more appropriate for younger readers. The descriptions of the tortures, sickness and hardships made me cringe and weep and wonder how those men lived through them but are not unacceptable for even young teenage readers (thinking girls here :) ) to read. This book will make a perfect gift for anyone, especially for Dad's this upcoming Father's Day!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

In 1965, Col. Thomas "Jerry" Curtis's helicopter was shot down over North Vietnam. He was immediately captured and spent 71/2 years confined in a filthy 5′ x 7′ cell at the notorious Hanoi prison camp. Thousands of miles from home and unable to communicate with his wife and children, Jerry endured months of solitary confinement, suffocating heat, freezing cold, grueling physical and psychological torture, constant hunger, and unimaginable mental duress. And yet, time and again, the Light that darkness cannot overcome became his beacon of hope. Now, for the first time in print, Jerry shares the full story of his 2,703 days in captivity and what he learned about faith, hope, and the indomitable power of the human spirit.

And Still She Laughs: Defiant Joy in the Depths of Suffering by Kate Merrick

And Still She Laughs: Defiant Joy in the Depths of Suffering

by Kate Merrick

    From a mother who lost her eight-year old daughter after a three-year battle with cancer, this book is a testimony to God's faithfulness. The author writes with strength and meaning and fulfills the purpose of the book; to show that through Christ, a person can survive the greatest tragedies and still live a life of joy. It goes without saying that I felt deeply for this mother, for this family and I learned from their strength in the Lord. I hope to someday be as unshakable as this mother learned to be. It wasn't always easy for her, but here in her own words is her journey. It is such a testimony to see how this bereaved mother still has joy and laughter. I recommend this book! I don't agree with all doctrinal statements expressed by the author but there is still much to be gained through reading such a book. I also don't always like the choice of words or humour in this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Kate Merrick faced the crippling grief that life can bring when her five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Three and a half years of suffering followed, accompanied by fervent prayer, hospital stays, emotional agony, and teeth-grinding fear. And in the end, her baby girl was gone.


How was Kate to believe again, to hope again? To find out, she turned to stories in the Bible of real women who dealt with pain and survived. How did Sarah, after twenty-five years of achingly empty arms, learn in the end to laugh without bitterness? How did Bathsheba, defiled by the king who then had her husband killed, come to walk in strength and dignity, to smile without fear of the future?


In And Still She Laughs, Merrick writes poignantly and transparently about finding joy in sorrow and shows how we—just like the ordinary women seen in the Bible—can rise above unbearable circumstances and live fully. In the middle of whatever hardships we face, we can smile, cry, and come away full—laughing without fear and eagerly looking for what is to come.

Review of Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America by Jack Barsky

Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America

by Jack Barsky

  This is the story of Jack Barsky, the autiobiography of a KGB agent living in America under an entirely false name and background. Whether you already heard about this man from the CBS 60 Minutes special in 2015 or, like me, became aware of this remarkable story after seeing the book Deep Undercover, you will be thrilled by this story. From the first chapter, I was an eager audience to this unique life story. My desires to finish reading the book in order to see how the tale culminated battled with my wish for the book to never end. I truly, truly enjoyed reading this lengthy autobiography. Not once was I bored, and I can say that in all honesty! I am sure most readers will agree with me. Who isn't intrigued by the subject: a KGB agent living in the United States under a false identity....? I promise you will not be disappointed by the story. Of course I absolutely loved how the importance and victory of salvation is emphasized near the end of the book. A honest witness of what salvation does to an individual was presented in this autobiography. On that topic, I didn't agree with every Christian view in this book but it is up to the reader to discern for himself. One thing which should bother Christians is the statement made by Jack Barsky's spiritual mentor (and later something more important) Shawna before he became a Christian. She told him, after observing how other-centered he was that he was ''already a Christian and just didn't know it''. According to Scripture that is wrong. John 14:6 states ''Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'' Jack Barsky didn't have anything to do with Jesus at that point so there is no way he was a Christian.  However, what is true is that although Jack wasn't a Christian at that moment as Shawna said, he WAS chosen by God, elect; so I think maybe that is what Shawna meant. What was encouraging was Jack's story of conversion. He read and listened to the Bible, attended church, showed interest and accepted the prayers of the pastors...and later one day by himself out on the golf field God revealed Himself to Jack! That sounds like a very true and Biblical conversion. I loved the obvious change between Jack Barsky as a non-believer and him now as a child of God. For example, although an extremely good spy, the man had a history of failed relationships/marriages with women besides having the beliefs and mindset which were ingrained in him as a youth growing up in communist and anti-Christian East Germany! Compare that to the redeemed Jack Barsky who sought to establish relationships with his scattered children and who was honest about his past... I was pleased with how the comparison was emphasized. This book is great for both men and women as well teenagers both girls and boys!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tightropes and Teeter-Totters by Lisa Pennington my book review

Tightropes and Teeter-Totters: Finding Balance in the Ups and Downs of Life

by Lisa Pennington

   If the cover and title of this book doesn't interest you, the first chapter is sure to! This book is written in such an engaging and entertaining style you will not want to put it down. I found myself interested throughout every chapter of this paperback book. It is easy to learn from an author who is humble and honest about her own failures and weaknesses. Mothers will appreciate Lisa Pennington's insight and experience from raising  and homeschooling nine children. All readers will love the author's humor which will cause them (if they are anything like me) to laugh aloud! This is just a well-balanced reminder to view life through an eternal perspective and to glorify God with every day!

I recommend this book for mothers and even girls interested in learning more about the heart of wifehood/motherhood.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lisa Pennington knows how to get up after losing her balance, even with a full house, a not-so-full bank account, and never enough energy. In her latest book, she offers readers:

Strategies for finding balance in marriage, motherhood, and bad moods
Playful yet biblically based tips for turning hard days around
Inspiration for shaping obstacles into opportunities
Ways to respond to irritations with gratitude
Enthusiastic encouragement for living out God’s purpose.

For every woman who wonders if her satisfaction in life will ever match her dreams, Pennington has real-life answers full of hope and humor.

review of Grace Behind Bars Bo Mitchell

   I love autobiographies and memoirs, and try to read as many of them as possible. I am especially interested in those autobiographies which tell the story of individuals which encounter and live victoriously through trying and painful circumstances. This book tells the unusual story of Bo Mitchell, who was unfairly convicted and sentenced to prison. To the human eyes this situation seemed totally without purpose. But as Bo Mitchell discovered, God had a plan and that was to soften and work in Mitchell's heart. This is a really good book and I was both engrossed and enriched for the entirety. I recommend this book; many readers will find it both interesting and helpful. It is especially a good idea for getting teen boys to read about Christian faith since the unusual prison story will initially capture their interest.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Grace Behind Bars shares the true and dramatic account of how Bo Mitchell, businessman and chaplain for the Denver Nuggets, inexplicably ended up in federal prison only to find God's true freedom behind bars. Ironically, it's in a six-by-nine-foot cell that God begins to free this driven Christian leader from his prison of performance and success. In the end, Bo realizes that God's love is a gift, not something he must earn.

But there's more to the story: Just before Bo enters prison, his wife, Gari, becomes incapacitated by a brain illness and enters her own prison of clinical depression.

Readers will see how the couple struggled together as their world fell apart, yet ultimately grew closer to each other and God behind the bars of their trials. This story will not only inspire and encourage readers, it will show them how they, too, can find spiritual freedom in life's "prisons" if they choose to see God's hand in their lives. 

Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places by Kate McCord

Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places

by Kate McCord

"Perhaps that’s the greatest reason why He calls us to dangerous places: so that we will know His astonishing, sacrificial, life-restoring love.”

Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places is about what is lost and what is gained when we follow God at any cost.
Soon after 9/11, Kate McCord left the corporate world and followed God to Afghanistan—sometimes into the reach of death. Alive but not unscathed, she has suffered the loss of many things: comfort, safety, even dear friends and fellow sojourners.
But Kate realizes that those who go are not the only ones who suffer. Those who love those who go also suffer. This book is for them, too.
Weaving together Scripture, her story, and stories of both those who go and those who send, Kate considers why God calls us to dangerous places and what it means for all involved.
It means dependence. It means loss. It means a firmer hold on hope. It can mean death, trauma, and heavy sorrow. But it can also mean joy unimaginable. Through suffering, we come closer to the heart of God. Written with the weight of glory in the shadow of loss, Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places will inspire Christians to count the cost—and pay it.

   This small book is full of stories from Kate McCord's (protective pseudonym) experience serving God in Afghanistan. Her goal in writing this book is to share God's purpose in calling His children to dangerous places such as Afghanistan. Kate's perspective seems very balanced and readers will enjoy and benefit from this book. I personally didn't find this book particularly life-changing because I had already read the author's previous In the Land of the Blue Burquas book which is quite similar. Yet, if you really love Kate McCord's writing style and personality, you will love and learn from reading both of her books. I found them very alike and didn't really click with the author's personality and some of her beliefs so I won't rank this book as high as you might.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review of the book The Missing Matisse: A Memoir by Pierre Henri Matisse

The Missing Matisse: A Memoir

by Pierre Henri Matisse

This is the autobiography/memoir of Pierre Henri Matisse, the grandson of legendary artist Henri Matisse. The setting is tumultuous world war 2.

This memoir had all the makings of an amazing read. It, however, surprisingly disappointed me. The writing style was unbelievably boring. The author included twice as much information as necessary to make his autobiography interesting. Every childhood memory, whether important to the ''plot'' or not, was included, making the reader confused as to what the purpose of each chapter was.

The writing style is present-tense which, combined with the length of the book makes it an extremely tedious read! The second half of the book is definitely better than the beginning but still not worth the time reading. It is unusual that I have such a bad opinion of an autobiography- especially one about World War II! I am sorry, but I can not give a good rating to this book.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

A review of the book Riley Unlikely by Riley Banks-Snyder

Riley Unlikely: How One Young Woman's Heart for Africa Is Changing the World

by Riley Banks-Snyder

This is the autobiography of Riley Banks who at the young age of 14, founded a non-profit organization called Generation Next. Generation Next seeks to enrich the lives of young people in Kenya in the hopes that they will be better equipped for their futures. Riley was first gripped with the inspiration to travel to Kenya at age 13. When she saw the conditions over there she quickly was filled with ideas of ways to help the poor yet joyous people living there. Riley's world was changed and she did not hesitate to start doing things to help. This book was a wonderful read. It was easy to understand and interesting yet life-changing as Riley shares what she learned as she compared Kenyan poverty to American luxury. I recommend this book for a variety of readers of all ages!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Riley Unlikely is the inspiring story of Riley Banks, who first traveled to Kenya at age 13, and has been back every year since bringing backpacks of school supplies and hygiene kits for young girls, developing relationships and friendships, and is currently, as a young millennial, raising money to build a complete learning complex in Kibwezi, Kenya for those who have nothing.

At age sixteen Riley learned that, because of a rare medical condition, she would never be able to have her own children. Devastating news to most young women, especially those who love children and have always dreamed of having their own family. But Riley’s response was: Kenya has given me a thousand children.

Riley’s stories of her trips to Kenya, her struggles to figure out how to best serve and care for these people she has fallen in love with, and her own unexpected health issues are funny, compelling and gripping. Readers will find that God writes surprising stories in the lives of those who follow Him. Hard to put down, Riley Unlikely will inspire you to pursue your dreams and make a difference in your own world—and around the world. 

All But Normal: Life on Victory Road by Shawn Thornton

All But Normal: Life on Victory Road

by Shawn Thornton and Joel Kilpatrick 

  This is an unusual memoir/autobiography by Shawn Thornton about his difficult childhood. His mother lived through a car accident as a teenager which damaged something in her brain, causing her emotions to become unpredictable. This book is really impressive as it reveals the devotion and love Shawn's father showed towards his wife, the grace God showed to all of them throughout their difficult family life, and the grace God gave to Shawn and his brother Troy to forgive and forget and move on in life. Overall, I was amazed and impressed by the love shared throughout this confusing life. It opened up to me how it is to live with someone suffering brain/emotion problems. It also gave me more of a heart for those people who are locked in a world we cannot understand. 

My only criticism of this book is that some of the bad words spoken by the mother in her uncontrollable fits of rage are included with just the first letter and a dash. To me, that's just as bad as the whole word since I know what it means and I wish they had just left out the horrible words altogether. But I understand the point. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

My review of Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love by Katherine Wolf, Jay Wolf

Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love

by Katherine Wolf, Jay Wolf, Joni Eareckson Tada (Foreword)

Yet again, I am blessed to read and review a wonderful book on suffering and triumph through faith in Jesus! Hope Heals is a very interesting autobiography with perspectives from both Jay and Katherine Wolf. It is in depth without being boring and captures the trauma and trial of their long journey since the stroke.  In 2008, Katherine was a healthy, happy 26-year old married to Jay and mother of 6-month old James when suddenly and without human reason, she experienced a colossal stroke. Through the providence of God, her life was saved but with her left side permanently paralyzed and a myriad of hurdles to overcome before enjoying a more normal life again! This book is strong and full of the couple's faith. I love how Katherine is honest and shares her moments of doubt and despair and confusion over God's perfect will. Yet, what I also love is her unshakable trust in God which has led her to embrace the life He has chosen to give her. 

I highly recommend this book for those who are going through suffering, have experienced it in the past and who, like me have never gone through anything major. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

When all seems lost, where can hope be found?


Katherine and Jay married right after college and sought adventure far from home in Los Angeles, CA. As they pursued their dreams, they planted their lives in the city and in their church community. Their son, James, came along unexpectedly in the fall of 2007, and just 6 months later, everything changed in a moment for this young family.


On April 21, 2008, as James slept in the other room, Katherine collapsed, suffering a massive brain stem stroke without warning. Miraculously, Jay came home in time and called for help. Katherine was immediately rushed into micro-brain surgery, though her chance of survival was slim. As the sun rose the next morning, the surgeon proclaimed that Katherine had survived the removal of part of her brain, though her future recovery was completely uncertain. Yet in that moment, there was a spark of hope. Through 40 days on life support in the ICU and nearly 2 years in full-time brain rehab, that spark of hope was fanned into flame.


Defying every prognosis, with grit and grace, Katherine and Jay, side by side, struggled to regain a life for Katherine as she re-learned to talk and eat and walk. Returning home with a severely disabled body but a completely renewed purpose, they committed to celebrate this gift of a second chanceby embracing life fully, even though that life looked very different than they could have ever imagined. In the midst of continuing hardships and struggles, both in body and mind, Katherine and Jay found what we all long to find...hope, hope that heals the most broken place, our souls.


An excruciating yet beautiful road to recovery has led the Wolf family to their new normal, in which almost every moment of life is marked with the scars of that fateful April day in 2008. Now, eight years later, Katherine and Jay are stewarding their story of suffering, restoration, and Christ-centered hope in this broken world through their ministry Hope Heals.