Sunday, September 19, 2010

Permission to Speak Freely Review

Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace
By Anne Jackson

Publishers Synopsis:
In May 2008, Anne Jackson asked a question on her blog, “What is one thing you feel you can’t say in church?”


Hundreds responded. Everyone had a story.

Permission to Speak Freely is the unique new project and movement of author Anne Jackson, who is finished with keeping brokenness in the dark. Bringing to light the original intent of God’s sanctuary as a place of help and healing, Anne reveals that through confession, both to God and to others, we can live lives that are whole and healed.

Told with disarming transparency, Anne shares what led to her own addictions and the ensuing lifestyle that left her wounded and withdrawn, but ultimately rescued and redeemed. She includes dramatic stories of others who also learned to abandon their fear, pride, and masks; to identify their hurts; and to find the courage to speak freely.

Their confessions, submitted as mixed media pieces, photography, and sketches, were collected from people across the world, and are included throughout the book. Readers will share in the opportunity to find their own path to redemption and freedom.
 
My Thoughts:
First picking up this book, I instantly flipped thru it and was drawn to read the confessions/art work post cards sent in by readers of her blog. I quickly found a couple that I identified with. I knew this was a book I ought to read. After flipping thru the book I was instantly reminded of Frank Warren's "Post Secret" Project which I loved. I enjoyed Anne Jackson's book as sort of a Christian Answer to "Post Secret."  The church talks about being "real" but some of the topics of the postcards or parts of Anne's story were ones I'd never heard of in the church much less much outside of the church. The author's raw honesty drew me into her story.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas-Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller. 

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The Boy Who Changed the World Review

The Boy Who Changed the World
Written by: Andy Andrews
Illustrated by: Philip Hurst


Book Description:
Did you know that what you do today can change the world forever?

The Boy Who Changed the World opens with a young Norman Borlaug playing in his family’s cornfields with his sisters. One day, Norman would grow up and use his knowledge of agriculture to save the lives of two billion people. Two billion! Norman changed the world! Or was it Henry Wallace who changed the world? Or maybe it was George Washington Carver?

This engaging story reveals the incredible truth that everything we do matters! Based on The Butterfly Effect, Andy’s timeless tale shows children that even the smallest of our actions can affect all of humanity. The book is beautifully illustrated and shares the stories of Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, Vice President Henry Wallace, Inventor George Washington Carver, and Farmer Moses Carver. Through the stories of each, a different butterfly will appear. The book will end with a flourish of butterflies and a charge to the child that they, too, can be the boy or girl who changes the world.

My Thoughts:
This book is an instant kid favourite. From the life-like artistic drawings to the simple story that is told. The bright colourful pages draw children in and the story will help keep you there. I feel this is a story every child (adult too) needs to hear at least once in their life. So go ahead and check out this new Children's book from Andy Andrews about a little boy who may have changed more of the world than he ever intended too. (I know my life has had a positive effect from reading this book.)
A thought for all, Remember God made you to make a difference. And I believe you will!

Booksneeze has provided me with a complimentary advanced reading copy of this book. Now available at your favourite booksetller.