Rad Women Worldwide

Title: Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History
Author: Katie Schatz, Miriam Klein Stahl (illustrator)
Genre: Historical Nonfiction
Rating: n/a
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
source: publisher

In Rad Women Worldwide, writer Kate Schatz and artist Miriam Klein Stahl tell fresh, engaging, and inspiring tales of perseverance and radical success by pairing well researched and riveting biographies with powerful and expressive cut-paper portraits. Featuring an array of diverse figures from Hatshepsut (the great female king who ruled Egypt peacefully for two decades) and Malala Yousafzi (the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize) to Poly Styrene (legendary teenage punk and lead singer of X-Ray Spex) and Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft (polar explorers and the first women to cross Antarctica), this progressive and visually arresting book is a compelling addition to women's history. 

I realize I just reviewed a book very similar to this one, but to be honest, I'm just really glad that we are getting a rise in books like this. I think these books work for young girls to teenagers to adults. The stories of women have been squashed for so long, and it's about time we got to hear them.

I loved the illustrations in this one, as they were beautiful and striking. And let's face it, no matter how old you are, pictures just make everyone better. One thing I also loved about this book was how so many of the women were new to me. Which is sad, but I'm glad their stories are finally getting told. I loved how we saw people from all backgrounds, from every single continent (yes, including Antarctica!). The range of women was very diverse, and I think every little girl will find someone they relate to in here. The book did spread across a lot of history, but a lot of these women are also modern, a good majority of them being still alive. I loved that, as I think it's a great thing for young girls to see that women are still fighting and paving the way.

The stories are not too long or complex, making this a great book for younger readers as well. But I also think older women will get just as much out of it. It's one of those books that I want to recommend to everyone. 

Books like this: 

Kate Schatz &
Miriam Klein Stahl (illus.)

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Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

Title: Why Not Me?
Author: Mindy Kaling
Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Humor
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Source: publisher

In Why Not Me?, Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, whether it's falling in love at work, seeking new friendships in lonely places, attempting to be the first person in history to lose weight without any behavior modification whatsoever, or most important, believing that you have a place in Hollywood when you're constantly reminded that no one looks like you.
In "How to Look Spectacular: A Starlet's Confessions", Kaling gives her tongue-in-cheek secrets for surefire on-camera beauty, ("Your natural hair color may be appropriate for your skin tone, but this isn't the land of appropriate-this is Hollywood, baby. Out here, a dark-skinned woman s traditional hair color is honey blonde.") "Player" tells the story of Kaling being seduced and dumped by a female friend in L.A. ("I had been replaced by a younger model. And now they had matching bangs.") In "Unlikely Leading Lady", she muses on America's fixation with the weight of actresses, ("Most women we see onscreen are either so thin that they're walking clavicles or so huge that their only scenes involve them breaking furniture.") And in "Soup Snakes", Kaling spills some secrets on her relationship with her ex-boyfriend and close friend, B.J. Novak ("I will freely admit: my relationship with B.J. Novak is weird as hell.")
Mindy turns the anxieties, the glamour, and the celebrations of her second coming-of-age into a laugh-out-loud funny collection of essays that anyone who's ever been at a turning point in their life or career can relate to. And those who've never been at a turning point can skip to the parts where she talks about meeting Bradley Cooper.

Guys. I LOVE Mindy Kaling. I don't really pay much attention to celebrities and whatnot, but if there was one I was obsessed with, it would be Mindy. I've actually never seen The Office (don't hate me) and I've only seen a couple seasons of The Mindy Project, but it's just Mindy herself that I love. This book was hilarious, in Mindy's signature way, and I loved every bit of it.

I can't remember the last time I laughed out loud this much at a book. I think I may have even liked this one more than her first book, which is saying something. This book was just so... real. Mindy (we/re on first name basis duh) isn't afraid to say what she's thinking, I loved getting an inside peek at her life, from her day to her relationships (romantic and friends), to behind the scenes on The Office and The Mindy Project. But she also has a few serious essays, like the one on body image, and female friendship.

I'm not sure I can even pick a favorite essay. There's the transcript of her Harvard speech, which if you haven't seen yet, you NEED to (so worth it. You'll thank me). There was also a scene from the alternate life she imagines fro herself that had me dying of laughter.

I could gush on for hours, but this book seemed to encompass everything love about Mindy--funny, confident, poised, frank, honest. I loved this book, and I think you will too.

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Mindy Kaling:

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Wonder Women {by Sam Maggs}

Title: Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History
Author: Sam Maggs
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: n/a
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
source: NetGalley

Ever heard of Allied spy Noor Inayat Khan, a Muslim woman whom the Nazis considered “highly dangerous”? Or German painter and entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian, who planned and embarked on the world’s first scientific expedition? How about Huang Daopo, the inventor who fled an abusive child marriage only to revolutionize textile production in China?
Women have always been able to change the world, even when they didn’t get the credit. In Wonder Women, author Sam Maggs introduces you to pioneering female scientists, engineers, mathematicians, adventurers, and inventors—each profile a study in passion, smarts, and stickto-itiveness, complete with portraits by Google doodler Sophia Foster-Dimino, an extensive bibliography, and a guide to present-day women-centric STEM organizations. 

I loved this so much. Like, the kind of book I wish I had as a kid, and will be holding on to for any future daughters/nieces/other little girls I come across.

The book is split into 5 sections: Women of Science, Women of Medicine, Women of Espionage, Women of Innovation, and Women of Adventure. The stories are told in a way that they will be enjoyable to adult readers, but I think can also be understood and enjoyed by young girls as well. I also enjoyed the interviews of current women in each field at the end of each section.

I know that having something like this, where girls can see themselves in STEM fields, is important for our growing girls. I also love how this book was diverse. Not just white/American women, but women from all over the world, at all stages and social statuses. I truly think every girl will be able to find at least one woman that they relate to in this book. I also found the sections of espionage and adventure to be interesting choices, and I think sometimes they can be forgotten about, and so it was really great to see them get some attention as well.

Science, for so long has been dominated by (mostly white) men, and it can be hard for girls to find their place. I know firsthand how hard this can be, and I hope that the dialogue we are opening up around this will make it easier for girls to come. Mostly, I am just really thankful for this book and highly recommend it, especially for preteen and teen girls.

This also reminds me of another book I just read, Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky, and I highly recommend that one as well to anyone interested in this subject.

Sam Maggs: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | tumblr | YouTube | Goodreads

Mini Reviews: Unoffendable, #struggles

Title: Unoffendable
Author: Brant Hansen
Genre: Religious Nonfiction
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Source: publisher

Not entitled to get angry? Really?
It’s a radical, provocative idea: We’re not entitled to get offended or stay angry. The idea of our own “righteous anger” is a myth. It is the number one problem in our societies today and, as Dallas Willard says, Christians have not been taught out of it.
As it turns out, giving up our “right” to be offended can be one of the most freeing, healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things we can do.
In Unoffendable readers will find something of immeasurable value—a concrete, practical way to live life with less stress. They’ll adjust their expectations to fit human nature and replace perpetual anger with refreshing humility and gratitude.
The book offers a unique viewpoint, challenging the idea that Christians can ever harbor “righteous anger” or that there evenis such a thing for believers.
Few other books exist with such a radical, provocative proposal to consider. We have no right to anger. We are to get rid of it, period. Completely. And it is possible to choose to be “unoffendable.”
Through the author’s winsome, humorous, and conversational style, this book doesn’t add another thing to do on a stressed-out person’s ever-growing list. Better, it actually seeks to lift religious burdens from readers’ backs and allow them to experience the joy of gratitude, perhaps for the first time, every single day of their lives.

I loved listening to Brant Hansen on the radio, so when I heard he was coming out with a book, of course I had to have it. And I think this book perfectly encompassed what one has come to expect from Brant: willing to talk about the hard things in an honest and blunt way, but still with humor and good will.

The book is short and sweet and to the point. I don't think anyone would find the subject matter terribly hard to understand. But I think one look at into society, at even just the political climate of today, shows that is book is very necessary. He brings up things in new ways, and frames them to make you rethink what you were taught.

Like I said, I don't think this idea is super hard or revolutionary. But it does bring up the question of why have we, in this American Christian culture, gotten so far away from this idea. Brant keeps this simple, lightened up with his own anecdotes and humor, yet isn't afraid to get deep and spiritual with us. I think this is a very important book that I wish I could shove on most of the Christians I know.

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Title: #struggles
Author: Craig Groeschel
Genre: Religious Nonfiction
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Source: publisher

We all love the benefits of technology and social media, but even with the incredible upsides, many of us suspect there are unintended negative consequences that are beyond our control. We’ve lost perspective, even perhaps ourselves.
In this timely and life-changing new book, New York Times bestselling author and pastor of LifeChurch.tv Craig Groeschel encourages readers who are hungry to regain control over their lives and put Christ first again. He walks them through biblical values that all Christ followers know are essential, but are even more important for our maxed out, selfie-centered world.
The more you compare, the less satisfied you are. The more we interact online, the more we crave face to face intimacy, but the harder it is to find. The more filtered our lives become, the more challenging it is to be authentic. The more information about the pain in the world we’re exposed to the more difficult it is to care.
It’s time to refresh and rediscover our understanding of the biblical principles that life with Christ brings: contentment, intimacy, authenticity, compassion, rest and more. Groeschel taps in to some of the most up-to-date studies on the effects of social media on our emotions and our friendships. And he offers real-life examples of how we struggle with social media, how it masks our real struggles, and how we can reclaim a Christ-centered life.
With helpful appendices like the 10 Commandments of Using Social Media to Strengthen Your Faith, and Creating Safeguards for Your Digital Devices, you’ll find #Struggles to be just the guide to bring balance and real-life engagement to your everyday life.

I was a bit wary of this one, to be honest. There are enough people/pastors/books out there telling us how technology has made us worse, the dangers of it, etc. That said, I was impressed with this one and how the author chose to go about it. I felt the book was very thorough, and came from a very Biblical perspective.

Groeschel comes at this from a perspective of someone who also struggles, and understands the need for technology. It isn't all bad, but there comes a point when we need to realize our own personal boundaries.

Everything is broken down simply, so it's not hard to understand. But it is deep, and hard-hitting. No matter your level of social media use/addiction--even if it's none--you will find something in this that will speak to you. Groeschel even outlines ways to help yourself, and get help if you need it.

I think this book is very relevant in this day and age, as it will relate to everyone. They may not be things we want to hear, but they are definitely things we need to hear. I personally thought I was pretty good at handling social media, but this book has shown me that I still have things to work on. It's one of those books that is important for everyone.

This review can also be found on   

It's Not What You Think {by Jefferson Bethke}

Title: It's Not What You Think: Why Christianity is About So Much More Than Going to Heaven When You Die

Author: Jefferson Bethke

Genre: Religious

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: publisher

New York Times best-selling author of Jesus > Religion challenges the accepted thinking of contemporary Christianity with the world-changing message Jesus actually brought.
Jesus was most upset at people for seeing but not seeing. For missing it. For succumbing to the danger and idolatry of forcing God into preconceived ideals. What if there were a better way? What if Jesus came not to help people escape the world but rather to restore it? Best-selling author and spoken word artist Jefferson Bethke says that Christians have the greatest story ever told but we aren t telling it. So in this new book, Bethke tells that story anew, presenting God s truths from the Old and the New Testaments as the challenging and compelling story that it is a grand narrative with God at the center. And in doing so, Bethke reminds readers of the life-changing message of Jesus that turned the world upside-down, a world that God is putting back together."

I loved this one. I loved his first book, so I was pretty stoked about this one. And it definitely lived up. I thought this was such an eye-opening and important book, more so than any other I've read in this category. Bethke delivers in such a way that is easy to understand but impactful.

So many things stood out to be in this book that I had to take notes, and I ended up with pages. Bethke breaks down Christianity in a way that shows us what God wants from us, which is to bring heaven to earth, not wait until we die. The chapters were broken up concisely in a way that really helped you absorb information. He reminds of us stories we may have heard all our life, but shows them in a new light. He goes through many subjects, including some we may not think about, such as the table being just as important as our worship. I also love this super important and powerful quote:

A person isn't valuable because she's someone's daughter or sister; she is valuable and has dignity and worth because she is an image-bearer. A human. (pg 170)

You can tell when a lot of heart and work when into a book, and this is definitely that. I think my favorite chapters was probably the one on Sabbath. I will definitely be implementing some of the suggestions in this book, and think that is the highest compliment. I think this is a very important book, and will definitely be recommending it to pretty much everyone I know.

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Jefferson Bethke:

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Project Inspired {by Nicole Weider}

Title: Project Inspired: Tips and Tricks for Staying True to Who You Are

Author: Nicole Weider with Kristin Billerbeck

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

No Rating

Source: publisher

Nicole Weider is on a mission: to help young girls avoid the traps that culture sets. The trap that baits you into thinking you must sacrifice your self-worth in order to be beautiful and popular. Nicole launched Project Inspired in 2010 (www.projectinspired.com), a website for teen girls that analyzes pop culture and explores ways girls can live in their authentic beauty.
In Project Inspired, Nicole shares tips for you to stay true to yourself--to how you were created to be--as well as how to dress modestly yet fashionably, how to make a positive difference in the world, and how to enjoy your teen years while standing firm in your faith. With photographs, real behind-the-scenes stories from inside the fashion world, and an honest look at living a life that looks great on the outside and feels great on the inside, Project Inspired is a book you'll turn to time and time again.

Okay, so yeah, this definitely isn't the kind of book I usually pick up. I remember this website when it was just starting, although I haven't been on in years. I've kept up a little with it, though, seeing how much it's grown and how it's evolved. So when I saw the founder had a book out, I decided to give it a try.

Now, I am probably not the target audience for this, as it is aimed more for preteen and teen girls. But I thought it was interesting. The writing is a little simple, but I thought there was actually good information in here. The book covers a variety of topics from fashion and makeup to boys and friends to faith.

There was some, I guess you could say, bias. It is filled with a lot of Nicole's opinions more so than just facts. I felt some things were a stretch (like the Esther analogies in the fashion section... um, what?) but other than that, I think this would be a cute and resourceful book for preteens and young teens. I mean, it basically just is a giant ad for their website, but that's sort of obvious going in. I didn't rate this one because I wouldn't really know how to. I think it would be good for the intended demographic. That's just not me.

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Nicole Weider:

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Life Is {by Judah Smith}

Title: Life Is ____

Author: Judah Smith

Genre: theology

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: publisher

 



Life is ____. How would you finish that sentence?
Judah Smith believes Jesus shows us how to live life to the fullest. In this follow-up to his" New York Times "and" USA Today "bestseller "Jesus Is ____," Judah completes the new sentence again and again, revealing how
- Life is to be loved and to love.
- Life is to trust God in every moment.
- Life is to be at peace with God and yourself.
- Life is to enjoy God. Judah writes as a friend, welcoming new believers, lifelong followers of Jesus, and even the merely curious. He shows us the love of God that defies human logic and the life that God intends for us to have in the here and now. With excitement and humor, Judah looks at the stories in the Bible from his unique angle and shows how life is all about loving God and loving others.

I've been quite interested in reading one of Judah Smith's books for a while now. I mean, when a pastor is endorsed by Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, you get curious. And I can definitely see why. Pastor Judah relievers profound wisdom, but not in an over-the-top, in-your-face preachy way. He is deep, but in a way that can be understood.

Smith is also quite humorous. He pads his stories with personal anecdotes and a take on life that will make you laugh. He isn't trying to be relevant, he just speaks. And he speaks in a way that can be understood by young adults as well as older adults.

He also writes in a way that can be understood by new believers. If you're just curious, and pick this up, you would still be able to understand what he is talking about. Likewise, if you have been a believer for a while, he brings things in a new light, that will make you rethink what you thought you knew.

I thought this was a deep, powerful book, and one that I would definitely recommend to people of all ages. I think young people need more books like this to lean on, and will definitely be picking up Pastor Judah's books in the future.

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Judah Smith:

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Jesus Swagger {by Jarrid Wilson}

Title: Jesus Swagger: Break Free From Poser Christianity

Author: Jarrid Wilson

Genre: Theology

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: publisher

 

Millennial pastor Jarrid Wilson calls his generation to drop the pretenses and poses of false Christianity and walk like true followers of Jesus.
It's easy to live in America as a poser Christian, to keep up appearances while remaining unchanged by the gospel. But in a world of constant conformity, God has called us to be different (Romans 12:2) and set apart (Jeremiah 1:5), walking with a genuine Jesus Swagger. None of us does that perfectly, but all of us can do it better.
"Jesus Swagger "is about giving younger Christians the perspective necessary to see how they're doing. Chapter by chapter, "Jesus Swagger" exposes a piece of our false self and bogus motivations so we can become real followers. If we take that journey, we will find a deeper relationship with God--one that changes the world around us. Real Jesus Swagger is contagious. It's about being who God has called us to be, and not who the world is tempting us to be.

 

I've been a lot more interested in reading theological books these days, but its hard to find ones that keep my attention, and don't sound preachy. I've been reading Jarrid Wilson's blog for a while now, and so I was curious as to how that translated into a book (because let's face it, most books I've read from bloggers just don't work out very well, because their voice doesn't translate over). However, I found that this book met all my expectations of being well-written, attention-grabbing, and not preachy.

 

Jarrid Wilson has always been a bit more unconventional in his approach to Christianity and spreading God's love, and I think that was explained well in this book. Even the title, Jesus Swagger, grabs your attention from the start because it is unconventional. But Wilson isn't preaching at you, instead he is sharing his experiences, and what he has come to understand, backed up by Scripture.

 

"Love the sinner, not the sin" (page 52)

 

I found this to be a breath of fresh air. I don't know exactly who this is marketed to, but I would definitely recommend it for teens and young adults. I think the topics Wilson discusses are things they need to hear. It's not about one religion, or what your denomination is, it's about Jesus and His love. That's what we have been called to do, and that's what he focuses on. It's not about acting a certain way to fit in with a crowd. Instead, it's about following the example Christ gave us, and I think Wilson does a great job of showcasing that in this book.

 

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Jarrid Wilson:

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Rise {by Trip Lee}

Title: Rise: Get up and Live in God's Great Story

Author: Trip Lee

Genre: Religious

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: finished copy from publisher

Society says youth is a time for carefree self-expression, but Trip Lee says God has called everyone to RISE from slumber, above low expectations, and to live for the risen King.
The world tells us that our early years are to be irresponsibly enjoyed rather than devoted to meaningful pursuits. We're told that responsibility and commitment are burdens to be put off as long as possible. And so, most of us spend our youth in a sad state of slumber--sleeping in on life until we're forced to get up. The problem is that life has already begun. It's happening right now. And God has called you to "live" it.
In this powerful book, Trip Lee argues it's time to wake up and RISE, to live the way we were created to live. Young or old, we've been called to live for Him. Right now. Young believers face the same problems as older Christians, but they feel them in unique ways. "RISE "addresses those core problems in an engaging, profound, and life-changing way.
Don't just sit there: RISE!

 

This was such a great book. While it is theological, it was powerful without being overbearing or preachy. While I've found myself reading a lot more theological fiction recently, not too many of them actually stick with me. This one did.


I will say, I did not realize Trip was so young himself. But that's part of what makes this book so powerful, I think. Trip is talking to teens, young adults. I think so many times, kids don't want to listen to adults because they "don't get it". But Trip Lee does get it. He's lived it, is still living it. He knows what he's talking about, and he knows how to relay that in a way that kids will listen to and understand.

"[God] loves using lackluster ingredients, because doing so makes it clear where the true credit should go." (page 19)

Trip covers a lot of topics, some more serious or controversial than others. But he handles them with grace. He explains each of his thought processes fully, detailed, and backed with Scripture. He admits that he's not saying that he has is all figured out, but he is just reading the Word and trying to learn and grow.

I think this book was such a powerful book, that I would definitely recommend for teens and young people. Trip isn't afraid to say what needs to be said. He is calling for the younger generation to rise up to their full potential, to really embrace God, and that is something that I think is so needed in today's world.

This review can also be found on   


Trip Lee:

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Let's All Be Brave {by Annie F. Downs}

Title: Let's All Be Brave: Living Life With Everything You Have

Author: Annie F. Downs

Genre: Christian, nonfiction, memoir

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received from publisher

Annie Downs admits she s not exactly the bravest girl in the world. She still cries sometimes when she leaves her parents home in Georgia, she s never jumped out of a plane, and she only rides roller coasters to impress boys. But Annie knows that courage resides inside each and every one of us, and she s on a mission to triumph over her own fears while encouraging the reader to do the same. As a single young woman, writer, speaker, and blogger, Annie Downs shares her journey toward bravery with honesty and humor. Using wonderful stories from her own life, contemporary real-life examples, and fascinating historical and biblical references, Annie encourages readers to grab hold of the brave life that they desperately desire. How often does fear hold us back from the very things we most want to taste, touch, and experience? The call to be brave isn t just for one person---it s for everyone. Let s All Be Brave is more than a book, it s a battle cry. Annie challenges us to live boldly, she calls us to step into those places that require courage, and she gives us the help to take the next step forward---even when it s scary.



It took me a while of sitting here to figure out how to review this book. I'm still not sure how. See, this isn't my usual type of book. Yet, something about this one spoke to me, drew me in.

Annie wrote with open honesty and vulnerability typical of these kinds of books. She shared things from the deepest parts of her life. Her hopes, her dreams, her fears. She illustrated these points with stories from her life, or with stories from Scripture, which I thought was exceptionally well done. However, Annie is first a blogger, and that showed, as I think her writing style didn't completely translate into book writing.

The timeline also jumps around quite a bit, which really confused me. Each chapter has when and where she wrote that particular chapter, so that jumps around. But even in those sections she may be talking about something that happened in the past, or "two weeks ago".

But ultimately, this was one that spoke to me. It saw straight through me, told me that I am not alone when it com to some of the things that I face. Which, to me, makes it hard to rec. Because if it doesn't speak to you, will you not like it as much? Yet I do recommend this one, a lot. It was full of truth and wisdom and, of course, some Annie humor.

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Annie F. Downs

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Love Well {by Jamie George}

Title: Love Well: Living Life Unrehearsed and Unstuck

Author: Jamie George

Genre: Spiritual, Nonfiction, Memoir

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received via NetGalley

Do you feel like you’re stuck? Do you feel alone? Do you live in fear that your struggles might push others away? Do you wonder if your faith is a fraud because of the emptiness in your soul? Are you weary of trying to play by the rules and pretend that everything is okay?

In Love Well, Jamie George confronts the popular heresy that God’s children are meant to live a life absent of pain, sorrow, or conflict. On the contrary, Jamie passionately describes brokenness as a divine gift and a necessary God-ordained path to experiencing true joy and genuine redemption.

With surprising transparency, Jamie shares his personal journey of getting unstuck and provides reassuring comfort for those looking to move beyond their pain toward a life of connection and grace. 

This was such a powerful book. George was very open, honest, and vulnerable while sharing his story. He shares his personal journey in his struggles in his marriage and with his wife.

I hardly highlight or mark things when reading ebooks, but there were a whole bunch of quotes that I had to mark. This isn't a self-help book. In fact, I would say that he doesn't really share on actually how to go about doing some of the stuff he says (other than professional counseling). It's more like an impassioned plea to really wake up, and see the truth.

George uses his openness and transparency in his own life, with personal anecdotes about his family to make his point. He also uses quotes from others, Scripture, and retells Biblical passages and stories. All these came together to really emphasize his points.

This is a book I would definitely recommend everyone to read. It makes some great points, backed by Scripture. If you've ever felt stuck or discouraged with your life, this book will encourage you. I love this quote, and so will end with this:

Yours is a life worth living. Yours is a story worth telling. Cast aside the shame, lift up your head, and stride with dignity.

-93% of eARC

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Jamie George:

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A New Season {by Al and Lisa Robertson}

Title: A New Season: A Robertson Family Love Story of Brokenness and Redemption

Author: Al and Lisa Robertson with Beth Clark

Genre: Christian, nonfiction, memoir

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received from publisher

Alan and Lisa Robertson, members of America's favorite back woods family and the Duck Commander Clan, take on the topic of relationships as they share the secrets that saved their marriage.
Infidelity, deceit, distrust, and shame. Unfortunately, these are recurring themes in many of today's marriages in America, even in the family-values-promoting, Christian-based Robertson family.
With a romance that began in junior high, the couple got off to a rocky start but soon settled into married life and had two baby girls. Alan became a pastor in the church where his family had been members for years. Then, when Lisa had an affair, the heartache and the tension was very public.
But this is not a book about a marriage gone wrong. It is a candid story of rescued love and renewed commitment. After nearly getting divorced, Alan and Lisa came to terms with what went wrong in their marriage and both began the hard work of making it right. Now married for twenty-nine years, Alan and Lisa counsel couples in trouble and speak across the country--openly sharing their hardships, their journey to renewed commitment, and a thriving marriage.

I think I am way too invested in a family whose show I don't even watch, but I've mentioned before how much this family fascinates me. They could choose to live secret and private lives, but instead choose to air even not-so-positive things about their family, in hopes to inspire and bring hope to others.

Al and Lisa have a tough story to tell. But they do so with such openness and honesty. They don't hide, or try to cover up, and I find that inspiring. They started from their childhood, and went through the actions and events that made them into the people they are today. Who thinks that they're going to actually marry the guy that they had a crush on in middle school? But the road they took was not an easy one.

Lisa mentions quite often that the reasons behind some of the bad decisions she ended up making weren't excuses, but just the facts, which I also think is an important thing to realize. They aren't trying to make excuses for anything that happened. They take full responsibility, but also share how these experiences shaped them into the God-fearing, upright people they are today.

This was a brutally honest, compelling story. Al and Lisa have been through a lot, and made a lot of bad decisions in their life. But they share this story to bring hope to others who are struggling, and they definitely inspire.

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Al and Lisa Robertson:

Alan's Twitter | Lisa's Twitter