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Recommend this book:
A Sky of Infinite Blue
A Japanese Immigrant's Search for Home and Self
Kyomi O'Connor
2023 Finalist
312 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
A Sky of Infinite Blue: A Japanese Immigrant’s Search for Home and Self is a work of non-fiction in the autobiography subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Kyomi O’Connor. The book follows the author's journey relocating from Japan in the early 1990s, taking a job as a researcher to escape from the turbulent family life she’d known in her youth. Falling in love with the kind and supportive Patrick, she began to heal from the wounds of her past, only for cancer to claim Patrick after years of happy marriage. Now writing to explore her past and heal her wounds, the author presents her search for inner strength in this volume.
There is a beautiful sense of introspection throughout this work that makes it feel like a spiritual reflection on the author's journey and the growth she undertook along the way. It is a deeply meditative memoir made possible by author Kyomi O’Connor’s willingness to be emotionally vulnerable and her graceful wisdom in reflecting on the events of her life with the benefit of hindsight. Her prose effortlessly encourages readers to invest emotionally in the author's life, and there are many lessons imparted throughout the journey that readers can – and should – take away and implement in their own lives. Overall, A Sky of Infinite Blue is a book written with no small degree of bravery, but the risk taken has paid out handsomely as it has resulted in a moving and insightful memoir. I cannot imagine someone reading it from cover to cover without feeling moved and enlightened by the experience.
A Sky of Infinite Blue: A Japanese Immigrant’s Search for Home and Self is a work of non-fiction in the autobiography subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Kyomi O’Connor. The book follows the author's journey relocating from Japan in the early 1990s, taking a job as a researcher to escape from the turbulent family life she’d known in her youth. Falling in love with the kind and supportive Patrick, she began to heal from the wounds of her past, only for cancer to claim Patrick after years of happy marriage. Now writing to explore her past and heal her wounds, the author presents her search for inner strength in this volume.
There is a beautiful sense of introspection throughout this work that makes it feel like a spiritual reflection on the author's journey and the growth she undertook along the way. It is a deeply meditative memoir made possible by author Kyomi O’Connor’s willingness to be emotionally vulnerable and her graceful wisdom in reflecting on the events of her life with the benefit of hindsight. Her prose effortlessly encourages readers to invest emotionally in the author's life, and there are many lessons imparted throughout the journey that readers can – and should – take away and implement in their own lives. Overall, A Sky of Infinite Blue is a book written with no small degree of bravery, but the risk taken has paid out handsomely as it has resulted in a moving and insightful memoir. I cannot imagine someone reading it from cover to cover without feeling moved and enlightened by the experience.
Recommend this book:
A Daughter's Kaddish
My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing
Sarah Birnbach
2023 Honorable Mention
304 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Tawny Molina for Readers' Favorite
A Daughter’s Kaddish: My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing by Sarah Birnbach is a heartwarming and eye-opening look at a woman’s attempt to fulfill a religious obligation for her father but seems to run into every issue imaginable to prevent it, be it traditionalists telling her that women do not say Kaddish to simply bad timing of locations choosing not to hold services during certain times of the year. Despite these complications, many of which would have disheartened anyone in her situation, Sarah managed to adjust and find ways to fulfill her duty to her father’s soul, God, and just as importantly, find the healing she needed for herself.
I picked up A Daughter’s Kaddish not only in the hope of reading a beautiful memoir but also for its possible educational possibilities. As a woman born of a Jewish mother but never raised in the faith, I could not help but find a deep appeal in this book. I had no idea there were so many complicated and beautiful rituals connected to the passing of a loved one. Sarah Birnbach's journey is explained in easy-to-follow terms. She has done a wonderful job of allowing those of us uneducated in her faith to understand the need and reasoning for the Kaddish as well as the other aspects of Jewish life that are described in this book. This memoir not only gives us a glance at a daughter’s healing but a look at the faith that is so important to her and her late father.
A Daughter’s Kaddish: My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing by Sarah Birnbach is a heartwarming and eye-opening look at a woman’s attempt to fulfill a religious obligation for her father but seems to run into every issue imaginable to prevent it, be it traditionalists telling her that women do not say Kaddish to simply bad timing of locations choosing not to hold services during certain times of the year. Despite these complications, many of which would have disheartened anyone in her situation, Sarah managed to adjust and find ways to fulfill her duty to her father’s soul, God, and just as importantly, find the healing she needed for herself.
I picked up A Daughter’s Kaddish not only in the hope of reading a beautiful memoir but also for its possible educational possibilities. As a woman born of a Jewish mother but never raised in the faith, I could not help but find a deep appeal in this book. I had no idea there were so many complicated and beautiful rituals connected to the passing of a loved one. Sarah Birnbach's journey is explained in easy-to-follow terms. She has done a wonderful job of allowing those of us uneducated in her faith to understand the need and reasoning for the Kaddish as well as the other aspects of Jewish life that are described in this book. This memoir not only gives us a glance at a daughter’s healing but a look at the faith that is so important to her and her late father.
Recommend this book:
Embracing God In The Right Perspective With The Right Foundation Of Faith In Him
Every Living Soul In The History Of Mankind Is A Child Of God
Chris Tham
2023 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Embracing God In The Right Perspective With The Right Foundation Of Faith In Him by Chris Tham is a faith-based work of non-fiction that serves as a companion piece or study guide to the Bible, also known as The Word of God. The author seeks to share the words and meaning of Jesus Christ, also called in this book The Gospel of Light. The author explains how truth, power, and wisdom can only be achieved by realizing and understanding that people have a purpose in life, and it is to know who Jesus is and what He wants for them--salvation. The author explains that he doesn't want to disrespect other religions, but wants only to show how much more fulfilled they will be if they follow Jesus.
Tham encourages readers to find out their true identity, which is shaped by God and the gifts He gives them. When one fully realizes his or her purpose, according to the author, things like faith, power, peace, and love, can enter that life, as it has been ordained by destiny--God Himself. The author likens God's relationship with us as a father-and-child relationship, as He is the Master and Creator of all. Tham reasons that it is logical to find out what God wants for your life, instead of trying to figure it out on your own, or going in a direction that isn't meant to be. Whether or not you agree with all of the author's ideas, he does succeed in getting his points across. The Bible can be interpreted by those who read it, and if they read it for themselves, they can decide if they line up with Tham's book. I do like how the author places emphasis on self-study, faith, healing, and compassion toward others, regardless of their religion. If you've been looking for a book to help bring you back into the Word of God, or help lead you to it for the first time, put Embracing God In The Right Perspective With The Right Foundation Of Faith In Him by Chris Tham on your reading list.
Embracing God In The Right Perspective With The Right Foundation Of Faith In Him by Chris Tham is a faith-based work of non-fiction that serves as a companion piece or study guide to the Bible, also known as The Word of God. The author seeks to share the words and meaning of Jesus Christ, also called in this book The Gospel of Light. The author explains how truth, power, and wisdom can only be achieved by realizing and understanding that people have a purpose in life, and it is to know who Jesus is and what He wants for them--salvation. The author explains that he doesn't want to disrespect other religions, but wants only to show how much more fulfilled they will be if they follow Jesus.
Tham encourages readers to find out their true identity, which is shaped by God and the gifts He gives them. When one fully realizes his or her purpose, according to the author, things like faith, power, peace, and love, can enter that life, as it has been ordained by destiny--God Himself. The author likens God's relationship with us as a father-and-child relationship, as He is the Master and Creator of all. Tham reasons that it is logical to find out what God wants for your life, instead of trying to figure it out on your own, or going in a direction that isn't meant to be. Whether or not you agree with all of the author's ideas, he does succeed in getting his points across. The Bible can be interpreted by those who read it, and if they read it for themselves, they can decide if they line up with Tham's book. I do like how the author places emphasis on self-study, faith, healing, and compassion toward others, regardless of their religion. If you've been looking for a book to help bring you back into the Word of God, or help lead you to it for the first time, put Embracing God In The Right Perspective With The Right Foundation Of Faith In Him by Chris Tham on your reading list.
Recommend this book:
Welcome to Our Real Matrix
One with No Escape
Tom Arant
2023 Silver Medal
354 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
What exactly is reality? How do we interpret the world around us? Are we perceiving the world accurately, or are we viewing it through faulty lenses? If you've ever experienced these thoughts, this book is for you. Welcome to Our Real Matrix is Tom Arant's attempt to make sense of reality and how we view it, and to identify the contrasts and parallels between the actual matrix and the fictitious matrix from the movie: The Matrix. He also investigates the interconnected ways in which all living organisms perceive and respond to reality, as well as the signals received by different organisms' sensory receptors while attempting to simplify evolution, biology, philosophy, genetics, and abiogenesis. The book also includes such topics as superstition, ancient Greek civilization, repetitive allostasis, Zen Buddhism, cognitive maps and sensorimotor integration, consciousness, free will, and much more.
Welcome to Our Real Matrix is exceptionally eye-opening! I felt my view on the world change as I went through each scientific notion regarding living things and their sensory receptors, clearly summarized in this book. Although it primarily consists of contents on science, abiogenesis, and evolution, the succinct, to-the-point section about why and how to live life contains some deep, philosophical ideas that are useful and insightful enough to stand alone and spark the reader's change in perspectives. I seriously enjoyed the carefully chosen passages from pioneers and influencers of Existentialism, Stoicism, Buddhism, and other philosophical manifestations. With its skillful blending of challenging concepts and questions, empirical data, and philosophical quotations, Tom Arant's book would do readers who are willing to evaluate their worldview a lot of good. You'll be utterly amazed by this one!
What exactly is reality? How do we interpret the world around us? Are we perceiving the world accurately, or are we viewing it through faulty lenses? If you've ever experienced these thoughts, this book is for you. Welcome to Our Real Matrix is Tom Arant's attempt to make sense of reality and how we view it, and to identify the contrasts and parallels between the actual matrix and the fictitious matrix from the movie: The Matrix. He also investigates the interconnected ways in which all living organisms perceive and respond to reality, as well as the signals received by different organisms' sensory receptors while attempting to simplify evolution, biology, philosophy, genetics, and abiogenesis. The book also includes such topics as superstition, ancient Greek civilization, repetitive allostasis, Zen Buddhism, cognitive maps and sensorimotor integration, consciousness, free will, and much more.
Welcome to Our Real Matrix is exceptionally eye-opening! I felt my view on the world change as I went through each scientific notion regarding living things and their sensory receptors, clearly summarized in this book. Although it primarily consists of contents on science, abiogenesis, and evolution, the succinct, to-the-point section about why and how to live life contains some deep, philosophical ideas that are useful and insightful enough to stand alone and spark the reader's change in perspectives. I seriously enjoyed the carefully chosen passages from pioneers and influencers of Existentialism, Stoicism, Buddhism, and other philosophical manifestations. With its skillful blending of challenging concepts and questions, empirical data, and philosophical quotations, Tom Arant's book would do readers who are willing to evaluate their worldview a lot of good. You'll be utterly amazed by this one!
Recommend this book:
Hollywood to the Himalayas
A Journey of Healing and Transformation
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
2023 Gold Medal
368 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is a real-life story of one woman’s courage as she embarks on a journey to a new place, a new language, new people, and a new culture. Getting out of one’s comfort zone is not always easy for some, as was the case of this Stanford-educated spiritual teacher who came from a well-to-do Jewish family and was raised in California. The author explains her experiences in a down-to-earth and relatable manner, opening up without hesitation as she talks about her life in India and how her husband became a fundamental part of her journey. She talks about the travails of her marriage and how she found enlightenment in Rishikesh.
Hollywood to the Himalayas is a deeply personal and honest book about being a spiritual woman in a progressive, spiritual land cleansing itself on social, economic, and political levels. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati writes in such a profound way that you immediately feel a connection as if she is right in front of you. In a world filled with stress, pressure, and anxiety, this book encourages you to take the road to spirituality to find answers. Women will find plenty of common ground with Saraswati as she talks about her marriage, wanting to have a child, menopause, and empowerment. This book has no boundaries. It not only caters to spiritual seekers but also to those who want to read about practical self-help. This book will leave you inspired long after putting it down.
Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is a real-life story of one woman’s courage as she embarks on a journey to a new place, a new language, new people, and a new culture. Getting out of one’s comfort zone is not always easy for some, as was the case of this Stanford-educated spiritual teacher who came from a well-to-do Jewish family and was raised in California. The author explains her experiences in a down-to-earth and relatable manner, opening up without hesitation as she talks about her life in India and how her husband became a fundamental part of her journey. She talks about the travails of her marriage and how she found enlightenment in Rishikesh.
Hollywood to the Himalayas is a deeply personal and honest book about being a spiritual woman in a progressive, spiritual land cleansing itself on social, economic, and political levels. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati writes in such a profound way that you immediately feel a connection as if she is right in front of you. In a world filled with stress, pressure, and anxiety, this book encourages you to take the road to spirituality to find answers. Women will find plenty of common ground with Saraswati as she talks about her marriage, wanting to have a child, menopause, and empowerment. This book has no boundaries. It not only caters to spiritual seekers but also to those who want to read about practical self-help. This book will leave you inspired long after putting it down.
Recommend this book:
Back to GOD, Away from Religion
The ‘Joycentrix’ Way A Joyful Alternative to Organized Religions
Gopi Menon
2022 Finalist
271 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
A remarkable man who has spent over 60 years pondering and seeking universal truths guides us on a soul-searching journey in Back to GOD, Away from Religion. He has at last found what he was looking for and has made the conscious decision to reveal the profound truth to us through compelling and convincing arguments that provide rational answers to the most challenging and fundamental questions about religion. Religions claim God is compassionate, caring, and forgiving while simultaneously urging us to believe in an arbitrary, judgmental, and vindictive deity. But should we fear God? Does he really punish us when we do wrong and reward us when we do right? Is he vengeful? In his quest to distinguish between religion and our relationship with God, Gopi Menon exposes the flaws in religion that have made humanity victims of fear and manipulation for centuries.
The first thing I admired about this book was Gopi Menon's bravery in writing about a widely confusing and controversial concept and providing an entirely new perspective. Personally, I believe that this was not an easy task, and it is undeniably admirable. My favorite part of the book was when Gopi outlined the practical tips that can be used right away to achieve happiness. One instance is how one could instantly change their mood from being sad and upset to happy. He explains how someone could switch channels and look for a comedy show if they were upset while watching a horror movie. Their attitudes would immediately change as a result, and they might even start laughing aloud at some point. This is just one example of how the aim of this book is to cultivate ultimate reality awareness, the wise application of our free will, and to achieve happiness. Personally, I believe this book is instructive not only in terms of how we can all draw closer to God in a different and simpler way, but also in terms of how we can achieve happy lives, not necessarily through religion, but by looking deep inside and within ourselves. If you're looking for answers to questions about religion that society has never addressed, this book is for you.
A remarkable man who has spent over 60 years pondering and seeking universal truths guides us on a soul-searching journey in Back to GOD, Away from Religion. He has at last found what he was looking for and has made the conscious decision to reveal the profound truth to us through compelling and convincing arguments that provide rational answers to the most challenging and fundamental questions about religion. Religions claim God is compassionate, caring, and forgiving while simultaneously urging us to believe in an arbitrary, judgmental, and vindictive deity. But should we fear God? Does he really punish us when we do wrong and reward us when we do right? Is he vengeful? In his quest to distinguish between religion and our relationship with God, Gopi Menon exposes the flaws in religion that have made humanity victims of fear and manipulation for centuries.
The first thing I admired about this book was Gopi Menon's bravery in writing about a widely confusing and controversial concept and providing an entirely new perspective. Personally, I believe that this was not an easy task, and it is undeniably admirable. My favorite part of the book was when Gopi outlined the practical tips that can be used right away to achieve happiness. One instance is how one could instantly change their mood from being sad and upset to happy. He explains how someone could switch channels and look for a comedy show if they were upset while watching a horror movie. Their attitudes would immediately change as a result, and they might even start laughing aloud at some point. This is just one example of how the aim of this book is to cultivate ultimate reality awareness, the wise application of our free will, and to achieve happiness. Personally, I believe this book is instructive not only in terms of how we can all draw closer to God in a different and simpler way, but also in terms of how we can achieve happy lives, not necessarily through religion, but by looking deep inside and within ourselves. If you're looking for answers to questions about religion that society has never addressed, this book is for you.
Recommend this book:
Stoic Stories
A Heroic Account of Stoicism (Ancient Wisdom)
Neel Burton
2022 Honorable Mention
230 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
Neel Burton kept my interest in Stoic Stories, even though I spent years studying for my master’s certificate in Ancient And Classical History. Neel taught me more in his book than I learned in my years of study. Not only does Neel explain the philosophy of the ancients, but he also introduces his readers to their life. He made the great philosophers feel human and not some bigger-than-life, unapproachable legend. I enjoyed looking into their personal lives and not just reading about their philosophy. Neel addresses the different philosophical schools, such as the Platonic, Stoic, and Epicurean schools. He also discusses the interaction between the school and the philosophers. Most people study the words of the philosophers, but one of the principles of the Stoics is “action over words.” This book helps the reader learn some of the terms and shows the Stoics’ actions during their lifetime.
Neel Burton shares information about many ancient philosophers such as Zeno, Epicurus, Socrates, Plato, Epictetus, Seneca, Diogenes, Cato, and Cicero. For one not to suffer from hope, fear, envy, etc., they must differentiate between things in our control and those not in our power. Stoic Stories shares the lives of these stoics in their own settings, which combine history and philosophy. How much influence did these ancient philosophers exert on modern society? One of the most significant influences has been Christianity during the past two thousand years. While many feel Stoicism lost out to Christianity, Neel shows that Stoicism influenced Christianity in many ways. For example, St. Paul met Stoics and Epicureans in Athens. Early church fathers (Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Origen) and even Ambrose and Augustine were greatly influenced by Stoicism. Neel writes in simple terms. This book is a lively introduction to philosophies and philosophers.
Neel Burton kept my interest in Stoic Stories, even though I spent years studying for my master’s certificate in Ancient And Classical History. Neel taught me more in his book than I learned in my years of study. Not only does Neel explain the philosophy of the ancients, but he also introduces his readers to their life. He made the great philosophers feel human and not some bigger-than-life, unapproachable legend. I enjoyed looking into their personal lives and not just reading about their philosophy. Neel addresses the different philosophical schools, such as the Platonic, Stoic, and Epicurean schools. He also discusses the interaction between the school and the philosophers. Most people study the words of the philosophers, but one of the principles of the Stoics is “action over words.” This book helps the reader learn some of the terms and shows the Stoics’ actions during their lifetime.
Neel Burton shares information about many ancient philosophers such as Zeno, Epicurus, Socrates, Plato, Epictetus, Seneca, Diogenes, Cato, and Cicero. For one not to suffer from hope, fear, envy, etc., they must differentiate between things in our control and those not in our power. Stoic Stories shares the lives of these stoics in their own settings, which combine history and philosophy. How much influence did these ancient philosophers exert on modern society? One of the most significant influences has been Christianity during the past two thousand years. While many feel Stoicism lost out to Christianity, Neel shows that Stoicism influenced Christianity in many ways. For example, St. Paul met Stoics and Epicureans in Athens. Early church fathers (Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Origen) and even Ambrose and Augustine were greatly influenced by Stoicism. Neel writes in simple terms. This book is a lively introduction to philosophies and philosophers.
Recommend this book:
The Fallacy of Materialism
How Consciousness Creates the Material World and Why it Matters
Steven Richheimer
2022 Bronze Medal
391 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
We see natural elements being exchanged daily for man-made products with no end in sight. Could our focus on the material world be the root of our reckless consumerism and other human problems? The Fallacy of Materialism criticizes and offers an alternative worldview to materialism, with scientific evidence and an exploration of spiritual ideology based on various books, discourses, and private discussions between Steven Richheimer and his spiritual preceptor, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. The book exposes the flaws in materialism, which many scientists and individuals have chosen to adopt as a lens to view the world. According to Steven, there's too much evidence from the theories of quantum mechanics and relativity, near-death experiences, telepathy, out-of-body experiences, and more inexplicable phenomena to limit one's view of materialism. Instead, a spiritual union with "cosmic consciousness" is proposed as a more logical ideology.
Prepare to challenge your knowledge of the world, as The Fallacy of Materialism makes a strong, convincing case for embracing a spiritual worldview with a mix of intelligent scientific analysis, numerous evidence of supernatural occurrences, and deeply profound, ancient wisdom. Steven Richheimer speaks the language individuals who choose materialism will understand by examining studies from well-respected names in science, like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and others. Unlike most books that criticize materialism, this one equally criticizes religious fundamentalism and urges readers to free themselves from the two sides of "dogmatic" beliefs. We've tried religion and materialism, but they seem to bury us deeper into societal problems, like war, greed, intolerance, and exploitation. It is time to try something different—like the truly conscious and boundless view of spiritualism that is rationally, skillfully laid out in The Fallacy of Materialism.
We see natural elements being exchanged daily for man-made products with no end in sight. Could our focus on the material world be the root of our reckless consumerism and other human problems? The Fallacy of Materialism criticizes and offers an alternative worldview to materialism, with scientific evidence and an exploration of spiritual ideology based on various books, discourses, and private discussions between Steven Richheimer and his spiritual preceptor, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. The book exposes the flaws in materialism, which many scientists and individuals have chosen to adopt as a lens to view the world. According to Steven, there's too much evidence from the theories of quantum mechanics and relativity, near-death experiences, telepathy, out-of-body experiences, and more inexplicable phenomena to limit one's view of materialism. Instead, a spiritual union with "cosmic consciousness" is proposed as a more logical ideology.
Prepare to challenge your knowledge of the world, as The Fallacy of Materialism makes a strong, convincing case for embracing a spiritual worldview with a mix of intelligent scientific analysis, numerous evidence of supernatural occurrences, and deeply profound, ancient wisdom. Steven Richheimer speaks the language individuals who choose materialism will understand by examining studies from well-respected names in science, like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and others. Unlike most books that criticize materialism, this one equally criticizes religious fundamentalism and urges readers to free themselves from the two sides of "dogmatic" beliefs. We've tried religion and materialism, but they seem to bury us deeper into societal problems, like war, greed, intolerance, and exploitation. It is time to try something different—like the truly conscious and boundless view of spiritualism that is rationally, skillfully laid out in The Fallacy of Materialism.
Recommend this book:
Jesus Speaking
Daily Encouragement from His Words
Mike Lutz
2022 Silver Medal
713 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Jesus Speaking: Daily Encouragement from His Words by Mike Lutz is a Christian devotional guide for those who are looking for something heartier than the standard daily fare within the same genre. Broken down into each day of the year by date, Lutz provides a piece of scripture to start the section off. This is followed by an anecdote, an explanation, a worldly quote, further scripture, or any number of creative ways Lutz employs to give context to the scripture so a reader can easily connect to its importance in our lives. This continues with deeper probing, reflection, and thoughtful consideration in a second paragraph, and then a prayer to solidify the message within the heart and, most importantly, before God. Finally, a brief affirmation to easily carry throughout the day is provided in a succinct closing.
I'm no stranger to daily devotionals so when I came across Jesus Speaking by Mike Lutz and its promise to dig deeper, I admit that I had a whisper of doubt. Those were quickly allayed almost as soon as I cracked this wonderfully detailed tome open. It does go beyond the generally accepted format of a scripture, some brief context, a prayer, and then a full page of blank lines for note-taking. Lutz delivers on every single page without padding and the length of the devotional is content-rich in its entirety. My favorites are April 6, Tiny But Mighty, which uses Mark 4:30–32 to reaffirm that small beginnings still have a big impact. October 16, Just Do It, and its homing in on John 13:17 to remind us that we cannot just talk the talk—we've got some real walking to do also. This is a wonderful devotional and I honestly would find it difficult to go back to the lighter books I relied on in the past. Very highly recommended.
Jesus Speaking: Daily Encouragement from His Words by Mike Lutz is a Christian devotional guide for those who are looking for something heartier than the standard daily fare within the same genre. Broken down into each day of the year by date, Lutz provides a piece of scripture to start the section off. This is followed by an anecdote, an explanation, a worldly quote, further scripture, or any number of creative ways Lutz employs to give context to the scripture so a reader can easily connect to its importance in our lives. This continues with deeper probing, reflection, and thoughtful consideration in a second paragraph, and then a prayer to solidify the message within the heart and, most importantly, before God. Finally, a brief affirmation to easily carry throughout the day is provided in a succinct closing.
I'm no stranger to daily devotionals so when I came across Jesus Speaking by Mike Lutz and its promise to dig deeper, I admit that I had a whisper of doubt. Those were quickly allayed almost as soon as I cracked this wonderfully detailed tome open. It does go beyond the generally accepted format of a scripture, some brief context, a prayer, and then a full page of blank lines for note-taking. Lutz delivers on every single page without padding and the length of the devotional is content-rich in its entirety. My favorites are April 6, Tiny But Mighty, which uses Mark 4:30–32 to reaffirm that small beginnings still have a big impact. October 16, Just Do It, and its homing in on John 13:17 to remind us that we cannot just talk the talk—we've got some real walking to do also. This is a wonderful devotional and I honestly would find it difficult to go back to the lighter books I relied on in the past. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Blessing Book
Francis J. Shaw
2022 Gold Medal
318 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
The Blessing Book by Francis J. Shaw is a profound, spiritual look at the blessings that come into our lives. How many times have you heard that you should count your blessings? This admonition appears so trivial that we often go about our lives not giving it a thought. This book will change your perceptions with its anthology of 72 easy-to-read reflections that connect blessings with gratitude, fulfillment, and joy. These are reflections that celebrate your uniqueness and show you why you are placed on this earth as there are certain things that only your uniqueness can provide. It is an uplifting journey that we must all take at some point in our lives because it will help us understand how the blessings we receive become instrumental in our well-being.
There are many things in our lives, both large and small, that we might be grateful for. But the fast and demanding pace of our modern lifestyle doesn’t give us enough time to look back and reflect, so we overlook and take such blessings for granted. Francis J. Shaw’s soothing style is meditative, one that does not require you to devote long reading hours. As a fusion of spiritual and philosophical work, The Blessing Book can be read one reflection at a time, where you can spare a minute or two from your waking hours. If there is anything that you can learn from reading these reflective pieces, it is that without the value of inner wisdom, fear will always find a way to attract our attention. Gratitude and unconditional love that are by-products of our blessings become components of inner wisdom that serves as a powerful healing force in our lives. It’s a must-read book that gives you a conscious focus on blessings and their emotional, spiritual, and interpersonal benefits.
The Blessing Book by Francis J. Shaw is a profound, spiritual look at the blessings that come into our lives. How many times have you heard that you should count your blessings? This admonition appears so trivial that we often go about our lives not giving it a thought. This book will change your perceptions with its anthology of 72 easy-to-read reflections that connect blessings with gratitude, fulfillment, and joy. These are reflections that celebrate your uniqueness and show you why you are placed on this earth as there are certain things that only your uniqueness can provide. It is an uplifting journey that we must all take at some point in our lives because it will help us understand how the blessings we receive become instrumental in our well-being.
There are many things in our lives, both large and small, that we might be grateful for. But the fast and demanding pace of our modern lifestyle doesn’t give us enough time to look back and reflect, so we overlook and take such blessings for granted. Francis J. Shaw’s soothing style is meditative, one that does not require you to devote long reading hours. As a fusion of spiritual and philosophical work, The Blessing Book can be read one reflection at a time, where you can spare a minute or two from your waking hours. If there is anything that you can learn from reading these reflective pieces, it is that without the value of inner wisdom, fear will always find a way to attract our attention. Gratitude and unconditional love that are by-products of our blessings become components of inner wisdom that serves as a powerful healing force in our lives. It’s a must-read book that gives you a conscious focus on blessings and their emotional, spiritual, and interpersonal benefits.
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