Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts

Friday, October 21, 2011

Every Single Woman's Battle - Book Review


‘Every Single Women’s Battle’ is a very helpful book for a woman of an appropriate age.
I did like this book a lot but, it talks a lot about dating, marriage, and sexual devotion.
And if you (like me) have never dated, been married, or had sex there might be a problem trying to connect with what this book talks about.

It also asks you to make sure you want God to help you overcome this sin. And I (probably because I’m young) was thinking ‘Umm… yes that’s kinda why I’m reading this, right?’ but, I think, what it meant by that was ‘Do you really want God to help you? Are you really going to do all these things that are necessary to stop your flesh from winning? Instead of thinking just because you’re reading this devotional your life is going to get better?’ And it takes a mature person to really be patience and take every step.

This book is very good for someone trying to understand herself. Sometimes the questions you ask yourself are not the right questions. And there are certainly varieties of questions asked in this book.

This book is also made for groups (I did this alone, so it is not impossible; but it was written for groups). Like a ladies Bible study at a church or group of dedicated friends.

After you read ‘Every Single Woman’s Battle’ you might start to question the things you think, do, see, and think. You might start to notice the things you know are wrong but have done so many times the evil about doing it went away.

So, over all, I would recommend this book, but for women 20 or older, because if you are too young this book will be confusing. You will doubt everything you do and, unintentionally, have a stronger desire for a man.
Written by Olivia =D
This review was written by Olivia Mcfarlin - Co-owner of Savvy Scholars

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Scars of a Chef by Rick Tramonto

An interesting kind of novel…

Although I liked this book there was something different about it. Something that made me want to read but I still would stop to think “What is so interesting about this book?”
I am not a Chef nor do I plan to become one. But this book was about more the Rick Tramonto’s life as a Chef. It was about how he became a Chef.
Then I found out what the odd thing about his book was. It was written from Tramonto’s perspective, as if he were talking to you in person about his life. Almost like one of those movies where in the end you find out the story and plot was just being told by the main character, but he really did go through all that amazing and life threatening stuff.
It almost seemed like a fiction novel.

Rick Tramonto has been through struggles and upsets, but that never held him down.

Scars of a Chef is a book for you if you like upsets and miracles, cries and laughter, love and stress, or watching GOD work His Glory.
This book even has recipes, so if you like cooking you will love this book.

“A true testament to Rick’s love of the kitchen and determination to succeed.”  ---
 Emeril Lagasse.

“…Rick’s amazing true story will appeal not to just cooking enthusiasts, but to anyone facing tough times and dreaming of something more.”--- Scars of a Chef


“Scars of a Chef is a page turner--- not just because it details Rick Tramonto’s troubling times or glamorous moments but because of the deep honesty with which Rick shares all of his life with us. “…As we see him rebound and triumph even as his life takes new turns, we, too, find hope to dream new dreams.” Michael Lomonaco Executive chef/partner, Porter House New York

This is truly an amazing book!
 
 
Reviewed by Savvy Scholars co- owner Olivia

Monday, April 4, 2011

Nintey Days of God's Goodness

Randy Alcorn is a Best- Selling author for a reason.

I truly found this book to be encouraging when in a struggle.
I am not big into Devotionals but I loved this book. First, the setup was something I enjoyed, going into a message that had some kind of charisma to it…something that made you want to read. And that thing was the Word of God. Alcorn started his chapters with Bible verses that supported the chapter. Then a story, either from his life or on someone else’s, for a real life reference on the subject. They will either make you sad or put a smile to your face. Either way… he explained it nicely. Plus a little prayer like paragraph at the end of each chapter.

I looked forward every day to read this book, even when you are not reading the message stays with you, like a little reminder not to worry. You can not forget the Bible verses he puts into perspective as you read them and through out the book.

I am 13 years old and I understood this book perfectly. It is very will written, but not hard to understand. I would tell anyone, whether they are in a struggle or not, to read this book.

God says life will not be easy, He says it WILL BE HARD because He was hated here on Earth, and so you also will be hated on Earth. John 16:33 says “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace, in this world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

God will never forsake thee and He is always with you.
I liked the encouragement 90 Days of God's Goodness offered even through promised pain.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

A Conversation with God

A Conversation With GOD is not something I would recommend to anyone.

Although some of the points and ‘Conversations’ are some what correct I did not like that the intention was to sound like GOD was talking to me. Not because I thought I was too good for this book but because it made GOD seem not as High and not as Mighty. Almost as if He were a man speaking and not your Heavenly Father that is All Knowing and Powerful.

It also had commentaries from Paul, Peter, Joshua, Jeremiah and Jesus (and a few more) which I thought was disrespectful to GOD. Paul and GOD are not equals. Jesus and Peter are not equals. Peter and Paul are terrible sinners just like you and me. Jesus is GOD the two different commentaries are unnecessary. Jesus the Son, God the Father, and The Holy Ghost are the Trinity. They are three in one.
          

One topic was “God, is Jesus really your Son?” when I saw this question I really stopped  and thought “You can not be saved unless you know: Jesus, God’s Son, died for me on the cross and ALL the things in the bible are true because GOD said they were true and there is no way without The Word Of GOD (John 1:1).” And since that is the case then you would know Jesus is God’s Son. Before you are saved there is a barrier between you and GOD and that barrier is sin you can not rightly understand the bible until your sin is gone.

Another topic in this book was “What will happen to people who don’t believe?” well in a simple answer… John 3:16. “…and whosoever shall believeth in him shall NOT perish but have everlasting life.” So if you do not believe in Jesus you will perish, and in the bible perish means perish to Hell because you are in sin, you can not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus you go to where Satan is; Hell.

And the last topic I will discuss is “Why should we pray?” for an unsaved person I can see why this is a question but for a Christian-- reading their bible-- the answer is every where. Besides the fact GOD said “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching there unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:18. There should not be the question "Why" but maybe "When" and in those verses it tells you.

I also did not like the points this book made about Abortion, GOD said even an unborn baby is still a baby, (that might be why they say “unborn BABY” but then again…) killing is more then a choice.
Homosexuality, in the bible He calls them Abominations so yes, in their wicked ways He does hate them.
Political roles, Heaven, Hell, and suffering are some of the other things talked about.
And again I did not like the book trying to sound like GOD himself was talking to you; the Bible is here for that. It is a little insulting to GOD. Revelation 1:13 - 16, 10:1 - 3, 1 John 1:8 - 10


                                          
                                   By Olivia, 
                      Savvy Scholars co-owner

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Book Review: Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest


Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black, the sixth and final book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series.
                                                                               

A knight left for dead, a country on the verge of ruin, and an evil lord rising to conquer.

"Sir Rowan is the most decorated tournament knight in Cameria, but when he is attacked and left for dead, his world collapses. Betrayed and lingering at death’s door, only a bizarre vision of his Prince and the help of a woman dedicated to the King keeps him alive. As Rowan heals, he finds new purpose in life through service to his King.

But his beloved land of Cameria has fallen victim to the tyranny of the Dark Knight.

Rowan’s countrymen need his help taking their cities back from the enemy, but all is not as it appears. The mysterious Sir Lijah insists Rowan’s purpose lies elsewhere—far away from Cameria, in an ancient city and for an ancient cause.

Rowan’s destiny is greater than he ever imagined. The final battle with the Dark Knight approaches, and he must choose where he will fight. Will he discover his true identity and purpose as a Knight of the Prince, or will the Dark Knight claim victory for eternity?"

- Book description

Review by Gabe. (Sorry about the double-review. This is my first official post on here and it's a double review...oops!)

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is the last book in the The Knights of Arrethtrae series, and being the last book, I expected it to end in a bit more of a “bang”.

The story has good morals and teachings straight from the Bible. Throughout the book (and the series) it’s clear that the author intends to point readers to Christ. All of the “good” characters serve the King and his Son the Prince, referencing God and Jesus. The main character, Sir Rowan, gets caught up in his own pride when he becomes the most famous knight in all of Cameria, and is so enraptured with himself that he no longer burns with a passion to serve the King and the Prince. Eventually (after being kidnapped and held hostage by thugs) he realizes that amassing earthly possessions and having fame no longer matters; what truly matters is serving the King (Christ). 

But while the book is wholesome, I felt as if the book, being the last in a six part series, should have been a bit longer in order to wrap up untied strings and unanswered questions from the previous books (not to mention the fact that there were far too many intrusive time skips almost every two chapters, ranging from a couple of hours to months and years).  In addition, I found the characters to be dry and dull – and sometimes quite irritating in their "perfect" behavior. It felt as if they were blandly reading off of a set script. 

Chuck Black does an excellent job describing the characters descriptively showing their emotions and recounting their actions.  His battle scenes however lack action and energy.  I felt this was a weakness in the text. I would love to see him write a novel in the fantasy genre as I think he would be great in that arena.  

Regrettably, the book left no lasting impression.  I loved the concept of the likenesses of the king and the son as types of God and Jesus.  I would have liked for a battle and kingdom book to include more action and adventure and I would have preferred having more multi-dimensional and dynamic characters.  


Monday, February 14, 2011

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest

Reviewed and written by Olivia



Destinies Desire…

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is a true knight’s tale. When Sir Rowan meets an all time Knight and personal hero, Sir Aldwyn, he will get a chance to live his dream becoming a knight of the Prince. When his fame starts uprising he finds it hard to stay dedicated.

After Sir Rowan is dumped to die alone, he finds someone to help him out of his pain and suffering. Rowan starts to feel more strength build in his body and more comfortable with the person who is healing more then his old wounds and scars.

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is the sixth book in the series The Knights of Arrethtrae by Chuck Black. In this book – like the other Knights of Arrethtrae – you balance good and evil. The Prince as a picture of JESUS gives Sir Rowan a second chance -- like he gives all of you -- after Rowan leaves because of fame. While Lucius being a picture of Satan uses people to steer Rowan away from the Prince.

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest are for youths to enjoy a knight’s tale while understanding the ways of the devil and who he really is. Sir Rowan has twenty – three chapters and discussion questions.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue




Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black

Reviewed by Savvy Scholars co- owner Olivia


Absolutely Amazing.

Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue has my top vote. In this tale of life, death,  love and passion, Lady Carliss finds herself fighting for the not just her own live, but the lives of dozens of people, and the secret love she can never be with.

This is the fourth installment of Chuck Black's series Knights of Arrethtrae. Lady Carliss is a master of the sword and the bow. She is one of the few knights to be called by the King and Prince to fight for only good and their sake.

In this book we balance good and evil both representing spiritual things. The Prince and the King are an analogy of our LORD Jesus and our GOD. Where as the evil Lord Malco is an analogy of Satan or commonly called the devil. It is mainly written from a Christian perspective.

Lady Carliss faces Lord Malco, the Shadow knights, Esca lizards, and the strange Waters of Moorue bravely and with valor. This book has sword fights, poisons lizards, and a lovely love story, all together making a magnificent plot story and read.

Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue has twenty - four chapters, plus, chapter by chapter discussion questions.
 
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