Disclosure: These books were on my bookshelf to review. Opinions shared are mine.
A busy week makes me want to retreat in the pages of a good book. Do you feel that way, too? Here are some books I read recently that had my wheels turning.
The Case for Hope by Lee Strobel has the deceptive look of a gift book. This padded hardcover almost looks like a Christmas story. Inside, though, there’s a theological discussion that can be profound if you let it touch your heart.
Strobel’s case for hope aligns with his concept of doubt. Rather than shushing the Christian who struggles with faith, Strobel allows for questions under an intellectual umbrella. The first focus in this regard was the argument that Jesus’ resurrection was REAL. By providing secular accounts as well as biblical evidence, Strobel’s interview was a valid presentation of the Christian belief. His points are presented in preachable acronyms, which makes it perfect for a pastor’s library. There were enough personal stories to make the book interesting, yet it wasn’t a memoir. There were a few times that I wished he told more about the end of each person’s story, but it probably wasn’t relevant to his point. The book is small enough to finish in an hour or two, but the ideas will stay with you for much longer.
What struck me as most surprising in The Case For Hope was the fact that Strobel was an atheist prior to accepting Christ. While that’s not necessarily uncommon, I could see how it would affect his work as a reporter. We’re watching the documentary “Making of a Murderer” right now, and the role of the media has been so obvious in this sensational story. It makes me wonder how Strobel’s life changed as a reporter. Clearly, his life as a writer was impacted by his change in faith. Hopefully, it will continue to influence those who struggle with doubt and disbelief.
I won this novella in a blog giveaway, and was thrilled because Dr. Mabry is one of my favorite authors. Silent Night, Deadly Night is not exactly the Christmas story that one normally thinks about reading to get into the holiday spirit. As with Mabry’s other books, the main character in the book has a background in medicine. That helps to give validation to the story’s details. Silent Night, Deadly Night could really be enjoyed any time of year due to the intense story line. The main plot focuses around a suspicious death; however, the sideline stories are just as intriguing. At some points I felt like there were too many things going on for a smaller book — it really could have been a full-length novel. Unlike other murder mystery/thriller books, Silent Night, Deadly Night is free from profanity or other mature content. That’s why I enjoy reading Christian fiction. The story has good bones without being offensive.
(If you want to learn how to enter blog giveaways and win things like books, check out this post.)
So what’s on your bookshelf this week?
I’m reading Winter (The Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer.
Love the series, sorry it has to end.
Great Review
Thanks!
Both sound good. I like that Silent Night, Deadly Night is clean with a plot and character. I can see easily see where a writer’s style would change after accepting Jesus and believing in God. What an impact on the readers, too!
Off the subject, do you like “Making of a Murderer?” I haven’t watched it yet, but I’m interested.
Silent Night sounds amazing! I want to read it
I loved your great review. I thank you for being there for us to read.
The cover alone makes me want to read the book. Thanks for sharing!
Silent Night, Deadly Night sounds cool. Too bad it’s not a full length novel, which I would prefer.
This sounds like a gripping book!
These books are very interesting; great reviews. 🙂
These books both sound like they’d be really good reading!
Thanks for the honest review,Silent Night, Deadly Night sounds like a story i would like !
Thanks for the reviews. I read and review also.
Silent night Deadly Night sounds like a good read.Thanks for the review .Not reading a book right now.
Silent Night, Deadly Night sounds like a good read. Definitely going to have to put that on my to be read list. 🙂
Thank You for the giveaways 🙂 🙂
You have stirred my interest with your review of the The Case for Hope by Lee Strobel
I have heard of Lee Strobel but now am intrigued to read this book. Thanks for the review.
This isn’t the kind of book I like.