Women in Sports by Rachel Ignotofsky

This cleverly illustrated book looks at 50 female athletes and their claim to fame in each of their individual sport. The short descriptions of each athlete are on  one page accompanied by an illustration of them on the opposite page. The illustrations are well done and there are interesting facts framing each description.

The athletes are from the past and present.  They represent women from all over the world as well as every culture and ethnicity. The sports they represent vary from tennis to motor cross and roller skating to cricket. The variety of sports is fascinating as well as the description of each woman and what she had to overcome to excel in her sport.

This is a very entertaining book and was a fun read. I received this book from  Blogging for Books for this review.

A Journey to Victorious Praying by Bill Thrasher

This is one of the best books I have read on prayer. It is concise and divided into nine sections: The help of your weakness; The help of the Holy Spirit; The help of companionship; The help of Scripture; The discipline of prayer; The importance of prayer; The help of fasting; The waiting of prayer; and the power of praise. These sections are further broken down into short chapters which makes it helpful to read as a daily devotional. In addition, the back of the book has personal journaling guidelines for each chapter. Also the back of the book contains sections on selected prayers from Scripture and ideas to stimulate prayer.

All in all this is a valuable resource on prayer and includes a wealth of practical information. I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

A Layman Looks At The Lord's Prayer by W. Phillip Keller

This short 156 page book is filled with insights into each phrase of the Lord's Prayer.  With the words taken from Matthew 6:9 - 13, the author examines each phrase beginning with "Our Father" and ending with "For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory for Ever. Amen." Each chapter delves into the meaning of each phrase and gives the reader much to ponder. Too often the Lord's Prayer is repeated by rote. After reading this book you will not only have a new appreciation for The Lord's Prayer but a better understanding of its meaning. This book is a classic on prayer.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange  for this honest review.

The Windfall by Diksha Basu

This is a delightful story about the Jha family who obtain a great deal of money and move from their cramped apartment to a housing development in East Delhl. Meanwhile their son is
in America struggling to get his MBA. Mr Jha is eager to fit into his new role of being a wealthy citizen while Mrs. Jha is not too comfortable with the move they are making. Will their new neighbors accept them and will they fit into their new social environment? As they all struggle to fit in and find their places, they find many bumps along the way.

There are many humorous moments in this book. However, on a deeper level it is about people trying to fit in without sacrificing who they really are.  Regardless of their change in social status, the Jhas and others associated with them learn much along the way.. I enjoyed the book and learned much about the Indian culture and life in Delhi.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Alexander Hamilton (graphic history) by Jonathan Hennessey

Since I had read a biography of Alexander Hamilton, I was curious to see how the graphic history of  this founding father of our country compared. I was not disappointed in that this account hits all of the high points of his life and does so in an entertaining fashion. The art work was great and I  enjoyed reading this. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn about Alexander Hamilton and enjoys graphic books, but does not have the time to read a lengthy biography.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review

Convicted by Jameel McGee and Andrew Collins

This is a powerful story of forgiveness and friendship. Andrew Collins was a narcotics cop in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He cut corners, tampered with evidence and at times falsified information to get the arrests he was after. Unfortunately for Jameel Mc Gee, Andrew arrested him when he was totally innocent of the charges against him. Jameel happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Both eventually serve time in prison and after that they both return to Benton Harbor. After a chance meeting at a park and after they both have an encounter with God while in prison, Jameel is able to forgive Andrew.

This is a powerful story about when one truly experiences the love and forgiveness of God, it is possible to extend that love and forgiveness to others. These two men not only are reconciled but have a strong friendship and are able to minister to others about the healing power of forgiveness.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.