What to read this weekend: The Tank Man’s Son, No Fear, and What Teachers Make

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Disclosure: I received these books to review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Ready for a book that will take your breath away?  These nonfiction books are worth the read!

 

The Tank Man's Son book review

If you were a fan of Oprah’s Book Club, The Tank Man’s Son will be right up your alley.  This memoir is evidence of the way God works for the good of those who love him.  Sad at times, hilarious at certain moments, and definitely inspirational – this book will tug at your heartstrings.  Some parts are so outlandish that it’s hard to believe that this story could even be true.  It also made me realize how little we can know what a person has gone through in life.  The abuse that author Mark Bouman suffered at his father’s hand was almost too painful to read about; I can’t imagine what it must have been like for him. When tempted to judge or set up a stereotype, take care.  We can’t walk in another’s shoes (even on paper) without getting swollen feet.  Expect tears and a few gasps while you read The Tank Man’s Son. This is a story that will stick to your ribs.

No Fear by Tony Perkins - book review

In my teen and college years, I never really felt that Christians were persecuted for their faith here in the US.  Reading about the oppression others faced around the world made me appreciate the freedom we enjoy here.  However, in recent years, my viewpoint on that has changed. Little by little, it seems that Christians are being forced to hedge their beliefs into the shadows.  While I value freedom for all, it seems that Christianity takes a beating when it comes to individual rights.  Saying “Merry Christmas” is even frowned upon in politically correct circles (even on my blog’s public Facebook page, as I learned last year.)  This is happening all around us — in schools, workplaces, and social media.  I heard about “Fields of Faith” on the radio a few days ago, and it hit me.  Today’s younger generation is taking a stand.  Likewise, No Fear is a collection of real stories from Christian young people who are unafraid to face the world.  From an American Idol contestant to a Planned Parenthood objector, these stories will inspire teens to band together, forming a Christian rock wall.  I didn’t agree with all of the actions taken (lying to the abortion clinic representative in order to gain information, for example).  I think Christian leaders should discuss these stories with teens as they read the book together. The book has merit as a resource to give strength and encouragement to new Christians ready to rise together.

You know that story that went viral about the dinner party, and the guest who went off on a tirade telling “What Teachers Make”? Apparently, that was a real poem from a real book (who knew?) This week, I had the great fortune to hear the poem’s author Taylor Mali speak at a teacher inservice.  The other speakers were interesting on a sliding scale; however, the room silenced to a hush when Mali took the stage.  He was authentic, witty, and engaging in a way that none of us expected.  He read a few of his poems to us, and entertained us with stories from his own classroom. He made us hoot with laughter, he made us pretend not to cry, and he made us remember why we became teachers.  Before Mali spoke, I hadn’t even looked in my goodie bag to see what the freebies were.  Imagine my delight to find one of his books tucked inside!  If you have a teacher on your Christmas list, take note — a Taylor Mali book would be welcome on that teacher’s personal bookshelf.  He knows what makes an educator tick.

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Comments

  1. Sherry Compton says

    I love how No Fear brings it home with strong stories and people. It is hear. The not saying “Merry Christmas” and people calling for “In God we Trust” to be removed really get to me. We need to take a stand. Christmas is a celebration of Christ and our country was founded by believers. God is all around us and we need to hold Him close.

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