The NerdHerd Reads: Duck Dynasty

Friday, October 31, 2014

A Robertson Family Christmas {by Kay Robertson}

Title: A Robertson Family Christmas

Author: Miss Kay Robertson with Travis Thrasher

Genre: Christian fiction, holiday fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received via publisher

A nationwide contest gives a needy child the opportunity to spend Christmas with the Robertsons. A junior high kid from a poor family wins, and all things look wonderful--except for the fact that the boy is a complete terror. But he'll have to learn the hard way after the Robertsons get through with him.A heartwarming and hilarious story on the meaning of Christmas and what it's like to spend it with the Robertsons of Duck Commander.

This was...interesting. I say this because it was a fictional story about nonfictional characters. Now, I've mentioned that I've never seen Duck Dynasty, but I was still able to enjoy this book. It was full of humor and heart.

In a way, was this just a grandmother bragging on her children and grandchildren? And I'm not saying that's a bad thing. But let's face it, when you keep saying all these things about how wonderful everyone is, well, you're their grandmother. You know them better than almost anyone. But that's also what made this fun to read, is that Miss Kay knows them and she knows what they're like behind the scenes, and she knows their humor.

This book made me laugh a lot. Seriously. The whole clan is so funny, and at times I forgot I was reading a fictional story. But it also gave an inside look to the family, and their holiday traditions, which was fun. (And a LOT. Oh my goodness, they have so many.) But this book was also heartfelt. The fictional part of it was about Hunter, a boy who comes to spend Christmas with the Robertsons and learn about their traditions.

The book isn't preachy, but speaks the simple truths that the Robertsons are famous for believing in. It's such a natural part of them. I do think that there are some things that might make more sense if you did watch the show, but nothing you couldn't understand if you've never seen it (like me). It made me feel like I got to know some of the Robertsons better. It was just an all-around fun and entertaining short story.

This review can also be found on

Thanks to Tyndale, who provided a copy for me to give away! One winner will win a hardcover of A Robertson Family Christmas by Kay Robertson!

US only // Must be at least 13 years old or have parental permission // All entries WILL be checked, false entries will be disqualified // Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen // I am not responsible for lost packages

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Live Original {by Sadie Robertson}

Title: Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps it Real and Stays True to Her Values

Author: Sadie Robertson with Beth Clark

Genre: Christian, nonfiction, memoir

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received via publisher

Seventeen-year-old Sadie Robertson, star of A&E's Duck Dynasty and daughter of Willie and Korie Robertson, shares her outlook on life as she opens up about herself and the values that make her family what it is.Sadie Robertson represents everything that a well-adjusted teenager should be, even while growing up in the spotlight on Duck Dynasty. She exhibits poise, respect for her family and friends, and a faith that influences her choices. Everyone wants to know how a family as eclectic as the Robertsons are raising such confident, fun, family-loving kids. With this book, Sadie sheds light on the values instilled by her family that make her the person she is.Sadie lives by a simple list of principles that lead her to personal and spiritual growth and allow the relationships she has with her friends and family to flourish. These values include think happy, be happy; dream big; shake the hate; do something; and many more.Living as a culturally relevant teen who loves God and her family, Sadie has become a role model for other teens and for parents who are eager to instill the same characteristics in their children.

Now, I will admit that I don't watch Duck Dynasty. But this family does intrigue me, and when I saw that one of the kids was coming out with a book, I was interested. I do follow Sadie on Twitter, and watch her on Dancing with the Stars. I don't know, the kids just interest me more than the adults. But this was a fresh perspective in a world where teens are finding more and more bad role models. Maybe I was just curious about how someone so young could be so well-adjusted. But Sadie really is the real deal.

In yesterday's US Weekly article about Sadie, they had a chart comparing her to Kendall Jenner. While I don't believe in comparisons, this does go to show you what a positive influence Sadie is. Sadie knows that people are going to be looking up to her, and also be looking for her to slip-up, and this shines forth in her words. Sadie's had her share of trials, but she keeps her head up. While some might think it isn't possible for someone to seem so... happy and unbothered, Sadie lets God and her faith shine through.

The writing seemed a bit simple, although she's only 17. But the words were genuine and heartfelt. Sadie talks about issues that all girls/teens go through, but she doesn't do so in a preachy way. She talks straight from the heart. But she also does so with humor. I enjoyed the personal anecdotes and learning more about the other Duck Dynasty stars.

Even though she's younger than me, I think Sadie is a great role model, and this shows in the book. She speaks genuinely, from her heart, and with faith. I think this is a book that all teen girls need to read. In fact, I've already given it to my sister, and I believe that so much that... I'm giving one away! Keep scrolling!

This review can also be found on