Weeks 5&6: Hurt

The past 2 weeks I finally read a book I haven't read yet. :)

Title: "Hurt"
Author: Chap Clark
Pages: 195 (including the appendixes but excluding the notes)
Rating (out of 5): 3.5
Reread?: No

Favorite quote: "It comes down to a commitment to a simple truth: The nurture and care of the young in society is the responsibility of every adult in society. Every adult who cares about the young must do whatever it takes to address and confront any other adult, organization, or policy that adds to the effects of abandonment. " (pg. 181)

Thoughts: This book is based on Chap Clark's study on teenagers and why today's teengers aren't the same as teens of the past. His main conclusion is that teens, more than ever, are feeling and being abandoned. After making this statement, he outlines several areas that this is noticeable such as family, school, sex, sports, etc. This book is one to be read if you have any contact with teenagers. It helps give an accuate view of what teens today are facing.
The reason I didn't give it a higher rating was because his writing led me to believe that a certain conclusion was yet to be made. In fact, he had already made a broad point and vaguely outlined areas where this point is proven.

Now reading: "The Retail Revolution: How Wal-Mart Created A Brave New World of Business" - Nelson Lichtenstein

Weeks 3&4: The Two Sides of Love

We won't talk about how I wasn't successful again. With my crazy new job I'm thinking about modifying my resolution to every other week. Haven't decided yet, but be prepared that next week's book will probably take two weeks.

Title: "The Two Sides of Love- Using Personality Strengths to Greatly Improve Your Relationships"
Author(s): Gary Smalley & John Trent
Pages: 174
Rating (out of 5): 4
Reread?: Yes

Favorite quote: "Perhaps it's the natural warmth that seems to come from golden retrievers or some the way the sun reflects off their listening ears, but God seems to have put a clear mark on golden retrievers that lets others know they're His special counselors." -pg. 90

Thoughts: This is a great book on how to understand and relate to anyone you have a relationship with. We all have different personality types and "The Two Sides to Love" focuses on ways to relate to those whose personalities don't make sense to us. This book is particularly good for parents who need to be firmer or softer in the way they deal with their kids.

Now reading: "Hurt" by Chap Clark

Week 2: Failed

So, I was supposed to give you a wonderful review of "The Grand Weaver;" however, I got a job this past week, moved to a new location in less than a week, and lost the book in the move. That means it is probably still at home. Don't worry. This week I am reading "The Two Sides of Love." Expect a review, because I'm expecting to not move again.

Week 1: "Captivating"

The year is off to a great start, and so is my resolution to read one non-fictional book a week. I'll try to make sure I write a review for you each week, so that you may increase your reading list as well. Enjoy!


Title: "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul"
Author(s): John & Stasi Eldredge
Pages: 218
Rating (out of 5): 4
Reread?: Yes

Favorite quote: This time around it was found on pages 180 and 181. "To have a woman friend is to relax into another soul and be welcomed in all that you are and all that you are not...When God gives a friend, he is entrusting us with the care of another's heart. It is a chance to mother and to sister, to be a Life giver, to help someone else become the woman she was created to be, to walk alongside her and call her deep heart forth."

Thoughts: "Captivating" is an excellent book that focuses on the special role that women play in creation. For women it is a must read to remind us that we were created with a very special and unique purpose. This book also focuses on the ways that our roles have been tarnished by the fall. Men should also read it to understand the hidden battle that many women fight spiritually and emotionally. Men should also read "Captivating"'s counterpart, "Wild at Heart."

Now reading: "The Grand Weaver" by Ravi Zacharias

Welcome, 2010!

Typically I don't make New Year's Resolutions. I think they're overrated. If I'm going to set a goal, why does it have to be at the beginning of the year? Why can't I start setting goals whenever I want? Why does it have to be January 1st to start implementing goals? Well, anyway, I set one goal this year (two if you count securing a job), and that goal is to read one non-fiction book a week. I love reading, but I really love reading fiction. It's my escape, so I typically place the non-fictional books to the side. To keep my accountable to this goal, I'm striving to write a review of each book that I read weekly here. That way both you and I benefit.

Well, I'm off. Time to get reading! This week is half-way over already!