Book Reviews by
Sue Gump, Church Librarian
Just a reminder to check the book cart (back of the sanctuary) for inspiring summertime reading.
Our Library is downstairs.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN OUT/IN MATERIALS WHEN BORROWING!!  More than 20 books are
missing from our inventory.  Please check your bookshelves for overdue books.
My Father, Maker of the Trees
by Eric Irivuzumugabe
This is an inspiring story of survival, renewal, and hope. In 1994, sixteen-year-old Eric Irivuzumugabe
climbed a cypress tree and remained there for fifteen days with little water or food. He is a survivor of the
1994 Tutsi genocide in Rwanda. This book is not only the story of his physical survival, it is the story of
his spiritual rebirth and the role he is playing in the healing and redemption of his land and his people.
His incredible account lays bare both the reality of evil in the world as well as the quiet power of hope.
Good Intentions
by Charles M. North & Bob Smietana
Included in this book are nine hot-button issues viewed through the eyes of faith: gas prices,
immigration, family values, the environment, minimum wage, education, capitalism, CEO compensation,
and poverty. This is not a book of theological answers. It is the work of an economist and a religion
journalist who have little interest in making decisions for other people. Instead they attempt to couple
some basic Christian principles with standard economic tools to make sense of these nine hot -button
issues that affect all of us. We often struggle to answer the question: What is the right thing to do here?
Unshaken
by Dan Woolley
In a harrowing story of survival, Dan Woolley recounts the nearly three days he spent trapped beneath the
rubble of Haiti's collapsed Hotel Montana. He details his survival methods--including an iPhone app to
treat his life-threatening injuries, conversations with strangers buried nearby, letters to his family, and the
small and large decisions he made that affected his chances of surviving the 7.0 earthquake that took the
lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
A Friendly Dialogue Between An Atheist
And A Christian
by Luis Palau & Zhao Qizheng
Understand China through the eyes of a renowned Chinese diplomat's conversations with Luis Palau,
an American evangelist in China in 2005. Through the engaging dialogue many of the stereotypes and
misinformation concerning Chinese culture are exposed, revealing a nation in which the Bible is
published and new churches are being built.  By avoiding the use of complicated theological language,
these discussions express the concerns of both Christians and atheists in a clear, meaningful, and
respectful way.  Find out how the Christian faith is being received within this context.
The Ragamuffin Gospel
by Brennan Manning
Most of us believe in God's grace--in theory. But somehow we can't seem to apply it in our daily lives. We
continue to see him as a small-minded bookkeeper, tallying our failures and successes on a score
sheet. Yet God gives us his grace willingly, no matter what we've done. We come to him as ragamuffins.
Manning's now-classic meditation on grace and what it takes to access it--simple honesty--has changed
thousands of lives.
Predator, A Novel
by Terri Blackstock
This book is a fictional story of the murder of a fourteen-year-old girl by an online predator. Her sister's
faith is shaken and made her question God's justice and protection. She is desperate to find this
predator.
Do Something, Make Your Life Count
by Miles McPherson
Transparent and insightful, McPherson tells it like it is as he shares from his experience as an ambitious
professional football player turned pastor who had to learn things the hard way. The time to act is now.
The world needs you. It's broken. Your neighbors are in desperate need of a helping hand. If you're not
content to cruise through life, it's up to you to DO Something!
The Top 100 Women of the Christian Faith
by Jewell Johnson
These women of Christian history present a beautiful spectrum of service and devotion—from martyrs for
the faith, to writers and teachers, to the mothers and wives of pastors and missionaries.. Famous, less-
than-famous, or generally unknown, each one offers hope and encouragement for us today. These
stories are sure to engage your mind and energize your soul.
Uncommon,
Finding Your Path To Significance
by Tony Dungy
In his book, Super Bowl winning coach Tony Dungy reveals secrets to achieving significance that he
learned from his remarkable parents, his athletic and coaching career, his mentors, and his walk with
God. Dungy offers valuable insights on achieving uncommon success and real significance.
Unbinding the Gospel
by Martha Grace Reese
Martha Grace Reese is a researcher, corporate attorney, and congregational pastor. In her book
Unbinding the Gospel, she answers the questions why and how to share your faith. She defines
evangelism as anything you do to help someone move closer to a relationship with God, or into Christian
community. Churches can't share their faith until they want to and she shows how we can make this shift.
24 Hours That Changed the World (DVD)
by Adam Hamilton
In this DVD we travel to the Holy Land with Hamilton to visit the sites where the events in the last day of
Jesus' life took place.
Mistaken Identity
by Don & Susie Van Ryn and Newell,
Colleen & Whitney Cerak
Read this unprecedented true story of two traumatized families who describe their ordeal and explore the
bond sustaining and uniting them as they deal with their bizarre reversal of life lost and life found; one
daughter buried under the wrong name and one daughter in a coma being cared for by the wrong family.
Mistaken Identity weaves a complex tale of honesty, vulnerability, loss, hope, faith, and love in the face of
one of the strangest twists of circumstances imaginable.
Glimpses of Heaven
by Trudy Harris, RN
Tender, heartbreaking, and eye-opening, Glimpses of Heaven gives you an intimate look at the final
thoughts, words, and visions of terminally ill and dying people. Through the eyes of former hospice nurse
Trudy Harris, you'll experience more than forty true stories that paint a reassuring picture of life's end.
You'll marvel at how patients received exactly what they needed to see or hear in order to die peacefully
and well. And you'll find great hope and peace in knowing that God goes to great lengths to redeem,
comfort, and prepare His children to come home.
Advent Conspiracy
by Rick McKinley, Chris Seay, and Greg
Holder
Now that we have experienced the busy days of this Christmas season, we can reflect on those things
that may have interfered with our focus on what Jesus would have wanted us to be doing at this time. The
authors of
Advent Conspiracy ask the question, "Can Christmas still change the world?” They want us to
take a stand and join Christ's followers who chose to make Christmas a joyous celebration of Jesus'
birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us, not a retail circus that depletes our pocketbooks
and defeats our spirits. Read this book and next Christmas season be prepared to have a Christmas
worth remembering, not dreading.
The Hole in Our Gospel
by Richard Stearns
The Hole in Our Gospel is the compelling true story of the corporate CEO who set aside worldly success
for something far more significant, and discovered the full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to change
his own life.  He uses his journey to demonstrate how the gospel—the whole gospel—was always
meant to be a world-changing social revolution, a revolution that begins with us.  Two thousand years
ago, twelve people changed the world. Rich Stearns believes it can happen again.  Is our faith just about
going to church, studying the Bible, and avoiding the most serious sins— or does God expect more?  
Have we embraced the whole gospel or a gospel with a hole in it?  Richard Stearns has been President
of World Vision U.S. since June 1998.  His corporate background includes stints at Gillette, Parker
Brothers Games, and President and CEO of Lenox.
A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23
by W. Phillip Keller
Phillip Keller, born in East Africa, always loved wildlife and the outdoors. Having spent many years in
agricultural research, land management, and ranch development in British Columbia, his experiences
as a real shepherd equipped him with the insights that are the basis for A Shepard Looks At Psalm 23.
This beloved classic has sold over 2 million copies and I was excited to find this copy which truly will
bring new meaning to Psalm 23.  This is a must read book!
When God Whispers Your Name
by Max Lucado
This book has been recommended to me by several people as one that will leave a lasting impression.  
Somewhere, between the pages of this book and the pages of your heart, God is speaking and is calling
you by name.  Maybe that's hard to believe.  Maybe you just can't imagine that the One who made it all
thinks of you personally—that He keeps your name on his heart and lips.  So listen closely as you turn
these pages.  The voice that calls you is more loving than you ever dared dream.
What I've Learned Since I Knew It All
by Paul Meier and
Todd Clements
Dr. Paul Meier and Dr. Todd Clements have learned a lot from their thousands of combined hours in
counseling patients, as well as from their own life experiences. The authors will attest that true wisdom
can only develop once we acknowledge how little we really know.  This book lays out twelve common
sense, yet crucial truths, that the authors learned after they thought they knew it all.  
Following these simple ideas will help us to embark on healthy, satisfied lives at work, home, and at play.
The Five Languages of Apology
by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas
Real life involves real people who make real mistakes.  Sometimes saying "I'm sorry" just isn't enough.  
The need for apologies impacts all human relationships.  The good news is that you can learn the art of
apology.  In this book you will learn to recognize your own primary apology language while speaking the
languages of those you love.  Thus you can experience healing in all your relationships.
Today I Am a Ma'am
by Valerie Harper
Valerie Harper has a message for women of a certain age: "Work those laugh lines!"  In this book she
helps women celebrate, with humor and grace, what it means to be middle aged.  It is Humor
Replacement Therapy.
The Happy Day Books Family Treasury
(for children)
This colorful anthology of favorite stories provides young children and families with hours of enjoyable
reading together.  It includes stories about God's world, Bible stories, stories about faith and family,
stories about values, and stories about holidays.
Joshua
by Joseph F. Girzone
Literally millions of people have read this book.  People of many different backgrounds and beliefs have
identified with this book's central character, his gentle persuasive and clear vision.  Letters from clergy
praise the book for its rich spirituality.  Parents find their teenage children reading the book more than
one time.  Why is Joshua so compelling?  It is a simple but engrossing story about a woodcarver, who
changes the lives of everyone he meets.  Many intriguing ideas are expressed throughout this deceptively
plain story.  This, perhaps, is why some people have read the book fully ten times, and write to say that it
is the most beautiful book they have ever read.
Stories Behind Women of Extraordinary
Faith
by Ace Collins
Ace Collins employs all his storytelling skill to uncover the deeply personal stories of women, such as
Mother Teresa and Harriet Tubman, whose faith shines for us today.  Explore twenty different tales of
unparalleled inspiration.  Learn how each woman's prayers were heard and answered, and discover
how each story can light the way on your own spiritual journey.
Spiritual Journeys To Success
by Today's Christian Women Magazine
Thirty-five women featured on the covers of Today's Christian Women Magazine share their personal
stories of struggle through heartbreak, doubt, and fear to triumph in God.  Filled with humor, inspiration,
and guidance, these amazing real-life stories provide insight into the spiritual journeys of women who
turned tragedy and trials into sweet success.
Saving Levi - Left to Die...Destined to Live
by Lisa Misraje Bentley
Covered with third-to-fourth-degree burns over 70 percent of his body, the tiny baby boy shrieked in agony
in a cold village field on the outskirts of Langfang, China.  Horrified villagers gathered around him, then
walked away.  But one older man stayed behind, gathered the child in his arms and went for help.  His
compassion and courage sparked a momentous chain of events.  In this true story of this baby left to die,
people were brought together from different countries, faiths, and social backgrounds in the successful
battle to save his life and secure his future.
The Costly Call
by Emir Fethi and H. Edward Pruitt
The most powerful stories of the twenty-first century are those that we have yet to hear.  They are the
untold tales of the heroes of the Christian faith, those rejected, tortured, and killed because of the One
they have chosen to follow.  Hassan, Aisha, Wan Mae, Adahiem...Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt.  
These are their true stories.  Read them and weep.  Read them and rejoice.  Read them and understand.
“The Case For Faith” DVD
by Lee Strobel
In the film “The Case for Faith,” journalist Lee Strobel investigates two of the most emotional objections
to Christianity.  Barriers to faith confronted by believers and skeptics alike: Why is Jesus the only way to
God?  And how could a loving God exist if there is evil and suffering in the world?  Strobel presents an
honest message of hope and spiritual clarity in a world where faith is tested on a daily basis.
The Faith of Barack Obama
by Stephen Mansfield
In this fair minded but inspiring account of Obama's faith, New York Times best-selling author, Stephen
Mansfield, takes you inside the theology of Barack Obama, inside the church that has been his spiritual
home, and inside the battles of faith that have shaped his politics.  Archbishop Desmond Tutu has
stated, "You must read this perceptive and well-written book.  Then you will know why Obama has such a
passion for justice and equity, such a gift for filling people of different generations with a newfound hope
that things can and will change for the better."
Grace (Eventually)
by Anne Lamott
A review of this book by the Los Angeles Times Book Review states, "Lamott writes essays that are
howlingly funny mini-sermons, reminding us of what's important in life....  For readers trying to live a kind
of faith that's centered on social justice, who are saddened at the state of our nation and feel mired in a
world gone mad with war and greed, Lamont and her quirky, funny perspective are nothing short of a
salve for tired souls."  Wise and irreverent, poignant and funny,
Grace (Eventually) is a primer in faith, as
we come to discover what it means to be fully human and alive.
The Gospel Of John
DVD
This motion picture is a meticulous recreation of the turbulent era of Jesus and the events that changed
the course of history.  John presents a uniquely human portrait of courage and passion encompassing
Jesus' entire three-year ministry, the final years of his life.
Blue Like Jazz
by Donald Miller
Miller writes this book for anyone wondering if the Christian faith is still relevant in a postmodern culture.  
He writes it for anyone thirsting for a genuine encounter with a God who is real, and for anyone yearning
for a renewed sense of passion in life.  
Blue Like Jazz introduces Christian spirituality (a way of life) to
people for whom Christianity (a system of beliefs) seems like a bad math problem or a traffic jam.
Unveiling Mary Magdalene
by Liz Curtis Higgs
Discover the Gospel truth about the most myth-understood woman of the New Testament.  Was she a
prostitute?  An adulteress?  The wife of Jesus?  The author opens with the fictional journey of Mary
Margaret Delaney, a madwoman adrift in contemporary Chicago, desperate for someone to save her
from herself.  Her moving story, closely paralleling the biblical account, is followed by an absorbing study
of the first century Mary Magdalene and her life-changing encounters with Christ—filled with personal
application and wrapped in humor.
God Came Near
by Max Lucado
He came not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as One whose first cries were
heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter.  Travel back in time and relive Christ the Son of God
becoming man.  Come with Max Lucado as he brings to life the most important event in history.  And as
you catch a vision of this incredible moment, let it mark the beginning of a new life for yourself.  If he is
who he says he is, there is no truth more worthy of your time.
God In My Corner
by George Forman with Ken Abraham
A childhood in grinding poverty and two heavyweight boxing championships, and then George Forman
experienced a life-changing encounter with God.  For the first time he tells the whole story of his
remarkable life.  With the frankness, warmth, and humor you expect from him, he shares the faith journey
that has shaped his life, offering many lessons along the way.
The Lazarus Life
by Stephen W. Smith
This book is about a spiritual transformation for ordinary people. Smith takes a profound walk through the
life of Lazarus, a story that offers remarkable insights into our own spiritual transformation. Through this
exploration of Lazarus's life we encounter a God who seems distant and unresponsive, a life marked by
disappointment, a situation where hope seems impossible, and a savior who can forever change our
world. Lazarus was an ordinary man who found himself at the center of an extraordinary miracle.
The Next Level
by David Gregory
If you are still searching for your ultimate meaning in this world, your God-given purpose in life, Gregory,
the author of Dinner with a Perfect Stranger, will guide you into surprising answers so that you can begin
to experience life at The Next Level.  Logan, a fictional character in this book, has been hired by a
company as a trouble-shooter to evaluate the company's five divisions, each on a separate level. Joining
Logan you'll be inspired to consider the big picture of your own life from an entirely different perspective.
The Shack
by William Paul Young
Michael W. Smith, recording artist, has this to say about The Shack. "The Shack is the most absorbing
work of fiction I've read in many years. My wife and I laughed, cried, and repented of our own lack of faith
along the way.
The Shack will leave you craving for the presence of God."  In a world where religion
seems to grow increasingly irrelevant
The Shack wrestles with the timeless question: Where is God in a
world so filled with unspeakable pain? The answer that Mack, the main character, gets will astound you
and perhaps transform you as much as it did him.
After You Say "I Do
by H. Norman Wright
Wright, author and Christian counselor known for his keen insights and realistic approach to
relationships, provides practical ideas and innovative suggestions for creating special times together,
finding harmony in differences, raising children, balancing home and career and getting along with
relatives.  Whether you've been married for 2 months or 15 years, these encouraging devotions will help
you celebrate your marriage.
The Twenty Piece Shuffle
by Greg Paul
This book is about why the poor and the rich need each other.  Greg Paul believes that the rich, the
impoverished, and everyone in-between can learn much from each other if they're willing to walk together.
Join Greg as he takes a look at a remarkable paradox, where the poor can miss their blessedness while
the wealthy overlook their own desperate needs, and reveals why God has always called the wealthy and
the powerful to care for the poor or excluded.  Don't miss this opportunity to find out how these
transforming relationships can inspire your spiritual journey.
Faith that Hurts, Faith that Heals
by Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton
Understanding the fine line between healthy faith and spiritual abuse is the focus of this book.  Egos,
desire for power, searching for a quick fix for pain, and the need to manipulate have produced a
generation of faithful followers with harmful faith.  The authors of these pages have communicated well
why people turn from God and how they come full circle to a new awareness of the Creator.  The
principles and concepts in this book have been tried and proven effective in bringing people back to a
balanced faith.  Dr. Robert Schuller stated, "The hot topic! The urgent issue! All tackled by the right man
for a great book!"
A Short History of The Early Church
by Harry R. Boer
For readers who want a brief introduction to the history of the early church as well as for those who are
looking for a quick review of the period, these chapters will furnish a concise account of the people,
places, institutions, events, and ideas that made a difference in the development of the Christian faith in
the first centuries of our era.
Let Your Life Speak
by Parker J. Parker
With wisdom, compassion, and gentle humor, the author invites us to listen to the inner teacher and
follow its leadings toward a sense of meaning and purpose.  Telling stories from his own life and the
lives of others who have made a difference, he shares insights gained from darkness and depression
as well as fulfillment and joy, illuminating a pathway toward vocation for all who seek the true calling of
their lives.
Where Is God When It Hurts
by Philip Yancey
Winner of one of the Gold Medallion Awards for the Best Inspirational Book, Yancey deals realistically
with crisis, pain, and suffering.  He has entered the world of the sufferer to find out what difference it
makes to be a Christian there.  Dr. Veernon Grounds wrote, "One of the most helpful treatments of the
problem of evil that I've ever read...on a level that speaks to people."  This is a book you will be unable to
put down.
The Rest Of Your Life
by Nancy McGuirk
In The Rest of Your Life, McGuirk writes with empathy, wisdom, and biblical understanding about the
many ways God's Word impacts life's daily struggles. As a wife, mother, and ministry leader, she relates
to all who seek rest in a restless world. She believes God is our only reliable source of true spiritual
rest.She challenges readers to "cultivate stillness on the inside even when there is busyness on the
outside."
The Heart Of The Chronicles of Narnia
by Thomas Williams
Whether you are new to this magical land, or a longtime friend, this book is a traveling companion for the
journey ahead. Skillfully probing the story within the story, author Thomas Williams approaches Narnia
as a flower to be enjoyed more than a puzzle to be solved, informing our curious wonder by unfolding the
deeper truths embedded within the stories. See God with fresh eyes, and recognize yourself in
unexpected ways.
Prayer
by Philip Yancey
Does prayer work?  More personally, does it work the way we think it should?  What can we expect from
prayer?  Written by one of the most significant Christian thinkers of our generation,
Prayer: Does It Make
Any Difference?
explores the questions surrounding prayer that many of us wonder, but few of us know
how to express.
The Mystery of the Child
by Martin E. Marty
Marty, a respected historian, theologian, and interpreter of religion and culture, presents the child as a
mystery who invokes wonder and elicits creative responses that affect the care provided him or her.  He
inspires readers to think afresh about what it means to be a child - and to be a caregiver.  Practical
suggestions are given for relating to children and maintaining a childlike attitude throughout the adult life
cycle.
What God Wants For Your Life
by Frederick W. Schmidt
Spiritual retreat leader and Episcopal priest, Fred Schmidt reveals how we are driven farther away from
both God and lasting fulfillment by our dependence on interpreting "signs and wonders" from heaven and
our preoccupation with supposedly divine to-do lists.  The spiritual practices described by Schmidt show
how we can better recognize the difference between God's will and our own, and deepen our ability to
hear God's voice.
The Names of God
by Lester Sumrall
God's names reveal His favor and immeasurable love for us. He is our Healer, Provider, Peacemaker,
Conqueror, and much more. By knowing how God expresses His love for us through His names, we can
deepen our fellowship with him, discover our purpose in life, and have our deepest needs met. Here's
the key to unlocking the treasure...the thousands of promises made by God to each one of us.
Walkin' With God Ain't for Wimps
By Karen O' Conner
Through amusing stories that touch the heart and soul, humorist Karen O'Connor reveals the joy,
strength, and laughter that is ours when we walk with God, regardless of our circumstances. These
short, real-life adventures will have you chuckling as you relate to foibles of people just like you or
someone you know. We have another book written by her in our library,
Gettin' Old Ain't for Wimps.
The New Testament Audio Bible
(New King James Version)
Carl Amari, producer of the Audio Bible, was intrigued by the old radio shows as a youth and so had a
vision of a dramatized version of the Bible.  He brought together an incredibly talented group, over 120
actors and musicians, to touch people’s lives in this unique way. There are 21 hours of dramatic audio
theater on 20 CDs and a "Behind the Scenes" DVD. You may decide to listen to only one or two CDs.
Contact Sue Gump if you are interested in taking this set.
90 Minutes In Heaven
by Don Piper
This is a true story of death and life. On the way home from a conference, Don Piper's car was crushed by
a semi that crossed into his lane. Medical personnel said he died instantly. Ninety minutes after the
wreck, while a minister prayed for him, Piper returned to life on earth. Now he shares his life-changing
story with you.
Light a Candle
by Sylvia Browne
Browne believes that we can benefit from the spiritual energy of candles. By lighting a candle with love in
our hearts we can increase our spiritual awareness, and connection to God. Browne shows ways to
concentrate on what is important in our lives, making us more proactive.
Me, Myself, & BOB
by Phil Vischer
Phil Vischer is the creator of the video series Veggie Tales. This is his story of dreaming big and working
hard, of spectacular success and breathtaking failure, of shouted questions, and, at long last, whispered
answers. With trademark wit and heart, Phil shares an amazing story that shows how God can use our
failures and the death of a dream to point us toward true success.
The Language Of God
by Francis S. Collins, Ph.D.
Dr. Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project working on the study of DNA, provides a
satisfying solution for the dilemma that haunts everyone who believes in God and respects science. For
Collins, science does not conflict with the Bible; science enhances it. He explains his own journey from
atheism to faith. This book is essential reading for anyone who wonders about the deepest questions of
all: Why are we here? How did we get here? And what does life mean?
Bad Girls of the Bible
by Liz Curtis Higgs
This book is for all women - from former Bad Girls who need to be reminded we're truly forgiven to
veteran Good Girls who long to understand those still searching for answers. Higgs first includes them in
a contemporary, fictional story and then follows with a zippy, verse-by-verse review. Each chapter includes
four life-changing lessons.
A Second Resurrection
by Bill Easum
Too many churches are among the 'walking dead.' These churches have died to the purpose of the New
Testament church - to make disciples of Jesus Christ. This book points to the only way for a church to
experience resurrection and a future worth anticipating. Emmanuel Consistory is currently reading this
book.
The Return of the Prodigal Son
by Henri Nouwen
A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted
Nouwen on a long spiritual adventure. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be
newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger.
"Amazing Grace" DVD
This inspiring story of how one man's passion and perseverance changed the world is based on the true
story of William Wilberforce's courageous quest to end the British slave trade. A reformed slave ship
captain, John Newton, who urged him to see his cause through penned the beloved hymn "Amazing
Grace."
The Miracles of Jesus
by Michael Symmons Roberts
Based on a major Discovery Channel documentary, this book presents an authoritative and accessible
assessment of the miracles of Jesus. By taking you back in history to see the tremendous impact the
miracles had on first -century believers, Roberts unearths hidden meanings in these acts. Seeing Jesus'
miracles through first-century eyes can really help us understand the significance they continue to have
today.
"The Nativity"
This is a DVD of the movie that was shown in movie theaters last year.
Labyrinths From The Outside In
by Donna Schaper and Carole Ann Camp
This book is a user-friendly, interfaith guide to making and using labyrinths for meditation, prayer, and
celebration.  People have used labyrinths for thousands of years and they have been rediscovered as a
spiritual tool in our own day.  A labyrinth is a circular path that people walk as a spiritual exercise.  There
is an outdoor labyrinth at the First Congregational Church on East Market Street that you can walk.
Sex God - Exploring The Endless
Connections Between Sexuality And
Spirituality
by Rob Bell
This book is a must-read.  Rob Bell, whose Nooma short videos we have seen, approaches this topic
with great insight and sensitivity.
Velvet Elvis  
by Rob Bell
We met Rob Bell in the videos ( Noomas) he has produced that have been shown during worship and at
our Lenten study group this past year.  In his book Velvet Elvis he takes you on a spiritual journey in which
you find out where you are on this life-long process of coming to know God.  He wants us to test his book.
 He says don't swallow it uncritically.  Think about it.  Wrestle with it.  Just because he's a Christian and
he is trying to articulate a Christian worldview, doesn't mean he's got it nailed.  THIS BOOK IS A MUST
READ!!!
Get Out Of That Pit  
by Beth Moore
Ever been in a pit?  Are you in one now?  Is somebody you love living there?  Don't think for one second
that God has forgotten, says Beth Moore.  Moore wasn't just a visitor; this former pit-dweller had to be
delivered from acres of life-accumulated dirt that had left her profoundly wounded with little hope of
wholeness.  What she learned in that experience is shared with us in this very personal book--lessons
for us all about the healing to be found in Jesus.
Why Men Hate Going To Church
by David Murrow
David Murrow's groundbreaking new book reveals why men are the world's largest unreached people
group when it comes to attending church.  He states that less than 40 percent of adults in most churches
are men.  With eye-opening research and a persuasive grasp of facts, Murrow explains the problem and
offers hope and challenges every churchgoer to step up to the plate and do what it takes to engage the
men in their congregation.  
Why Men Hate Going to Church does not call men back to the church - it calls
the church back to men.
Burn This Book
by Garth Heckman
Burn This Book was written by Heckman with teenagers in mind, but adults will be enlightened by his
unique presentation of coming to know God.  No one ever wrote a book hoping it would be burned...until
now.  You'll be playing with fire as you work through this book - the right kind of fire, a fire for the heart of
God.  Follow the challenges in this book and burn away the wood, hay, and stubble from your life, and
move to a new relationship with him.
The Red Tent
by Anita Diamant
The Red Tent is a fictional novel told in the voice of Dinah, daughter of Jacob, about the traditions and
turmoil of ancient womanhood.  Diamant brings to life these women about whom the Bible tells us so
little.  She makes readrs see there's not much difference between people across the eons, at elast when
it comes to trial and tragedy, happiness and love.
Home Improvements
by Gary Chapman
Over time, annoying little habits can wreak havoc on a relationship.  Fortunately, after years of counseling
battle-weary couples, Dr. Gary Chapman has developed a simple effective approach that  will help you
and your spouse turn those irritating behaviors around once and for all.
The Other Side Of Love - Handling Anger In
A Godly Way
by Gary Chapman
Many of us believe anger is a sinful emotion of which we should be ashamed. Chapman explains that
this much-misunderstood emotion necessarily goes hand-in-hand with love. He provides us with
insights that show us how the fundamental purpose of anger is not to tear down, but to motivate us to
positive, loving action that will leave things better than we found them. He provides techniques to help us
deal with our anger.
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older reviews.
Book Reviews--Share a book you have read from our library with others by writing, in a few sentences, your thoughts about
the book, and then submitting them to Sue Gump for newsletter publication.
90 Minutes in Heaven
by Don Piper

…is an inspiring book that recounts the author’s struggles as he recovers from a devastating auto accident.  Don Piper, an
ordained minister, is pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.  He describes the 90 minutes he is “in heaven” and all of
the physical and spiritual agony he experiences during his miraculous recovery.  Although he only briefly describes heaven,
the book is a moving story of courage and perseverance.

—This Book Review was written by Connie Steen.
The Twenty-Piece Shuffle: Why the Rich and Poor Need Each Other
by Greg Paul

This book caught my attention as our mission team was preparing to leave for Philadelphia.  Though our mission trip focused
mainly on a children's day camp, I wanted more information about inner-city "street people."  How did they get trapped in this
cycle and how can they get out?  It's not so easy to "just say no."  
The Twenty-Piece Shuffle shares the stories of Sanctuary
ministries (Sanctuary is an outreach ministry in Toronto, Canada), illustrating how these ministries (and mission trips like ours)
can take people from isolation to relationship and a sense of purpose.  Rich and poor alike can be isolated; rich and poor
alike need relationship and a sense of purpose.  This book will change your perspective on rich and poor, and how God fits
into all the suffering in the mess of the world.  I especially recommend this book to anyone who has been on a mission trip or
who would consider going.  
--Carolyn Schmidt