My List of Inspiring Non-Fiction Books

If you're like me, you like made-up stories. Or as the world calls it, Fiction. That is such a boring word. Sounds like friction. I prefer to call them made-up stories.

I've always avoided non-fiction books because they're usually boring. But I've discovered some awesome nonfiction books this year and thought I would share it with any other made-up story lovin' people out there.

Winner of The Non-Fiction Book That Inspired Me award goes to "Kisses From Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption" by Katie Davis with Beth Clark. Actually, I'm in the middle of reading this, but it's amazing.

Winner of The Non-Fiction Book That Strengthened My Faith award goes to "The Cause Within You: Finding the One Great Thing You Were Created to Do in This World" by Matthew Barnett with George Barna. You can read my review here.

Winner of The Non-Fiction Book That Taught Me To Dream Big award goes to "Unsinkable: A Young Woman's Courageous Battle on the High Seas" by Abby Sunderland and Lynn Vincent. You can read my review here.

Winner of The Non-Fiction Book That Made Me Cry award goes to "Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice" by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer. You can read my review here.

Winner of The Non-Fiction Book That Opened My Eyes award goes to "A Heart for Freedom: The Remarkable Journey of a Young Dissident, Her Daring Escape, and Her Quest to Free China's Daughters" by Chai Ling. You can read my review here.

Winner of The Non-Fiction Book That Made Me Think award goes to "Surprised By Oxford: A Memoir" by Carolyn Weber. You can read my review here.

A Heart for Freedom by Chai Ling

The dramatic and fascinating story of Chai Ling, commander-in-chief of the student protesters at Tiananmen Square and witness to the massacre of thousands of Chinese civilians. Risking imprisonment and possible death for her leadership role in the student democracy movement, she was on the run in China for ten months while being hunted by the authorities. She eventually escaped to the U.S., completed her education at Princeton and Harvard, found true love, and became a highly successful entrepreneur. But her desperate quest for freedom, purpose, and peace—which she had sought in turn through academic achievement, romantic love, political activism, and career success—was never satisfied until she had an unexpected encounter with a formerly forbidden faith. Her newfound passion for God led to her life’s greatest mission: Fighting for the lives and rights of young girls in China.

I loved this book so much. It made my heart thump, the beats echoing one word: freedom. In America, we take it for granted everyday. How we express ourselves, where we go to school, how many children we have, where we work, who is in charge of our country, etc.

"If I criticize the president," one congressman told me, "the worst that can happen is the White House won't give me a dinner invitation." - Page 233

I had never heard of the Tiananmen Square massacre, so this was opening up a whole new world to me. Thousands of college students going on hunger strikes and gathering together to stand up for a right to speak is a truly amazing thing.

Chai Ling also touched on the topic of abortion. China's law that each couple is only allowed on child has led to many abortions.

In both China and India, families eliminate girls in hopes of raising boys. This crime, called gendercide, is done through prenatal sex selection, infanticide, and abandonment. China's one-child policy makes it worse - with only one baby allowed, who wouldn't choose a boy? Girls cannot carry on the family line and will marry and leave when their parents grow old. For security, every family wants a son. Now in China, six boys are born for every five girls. - Page 299

I had recently read a blog post about this and it really opened up my eyes. I remembered my mom telling me about China's one-child policy when I was younger, but no one really talks about it and I slowly forgot. Now it is becoming an increasing problem in China with lots of boys and a shortage of girls.

The preference for sons and the one-child policy are a lethal combination. Daily, thousands of baby girls are aborted or killed simply because they are girls. With so many girls now "missing" in China, the surplus of thirty-seven million unmarried young men is bound to cause security and economic problems. With a shortage of available mates for all the eligible bachelors, trafficking of little girls and young women is now out of control in China. - Page 300

Now, the whole book isn't about abortion but she does devote a good bit to it at the end. The rest of the book records her amazing journey from a small Chinese village to China's most wanted woman.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Surprised By Oxford by Carolyn Weber

A "girl-meets-God" style memoir of an agnostic who, through her surprising opportunity to study at Oxford, comes to a dynamic personal faith in God.

Carolyn Weber arrives for graduate study at Oxford University a feminist from a loving but broken family, suspicious of men and intellectually hostile to all things religious. As she grapples with her God-shaped void alongside the friends,classmates, and professors she meets, she tackles big questions in search of love and a life that matters.This savvy, beautifully written, credible account of Christian conversion follows the calendar and events of the school year as it entertains, informs, and promises to engage even the most skeptical and unlikely reader.

I loved following Carolyn Weber as she found God (er, God found her) in her book, Surprised by Oxford. The book follows Weber throught her years at Oxford as she is studying Romantic literature. She struggles through issues such as growing up without a father figure, feminism, and questioning how could a loving God let so much bad happen.

This book is a jem. It's so rich and real, and yet tough and gritty. I laughed, I held my breath, and I pondered. I also fell in love with TDH right along with Weber, that Sweet-Talkin' Son of a Preacher (Chapter Seven's title).

There is some language in the Prologue, but you can skip it and start on the first chapter.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Andersone & Tricia Goyer

Life, In Spite of Me is a very moving story that offers hope to a world full of people who are considering suicide, have attempted suicide, or anyone who has lost a dear one to suicide. It is a story of hope to the depressed, the disabled, and the hopeless.

Kristen Jane Anderson wanted to end her pain and her life, so she laid down on the railroad tracks by her house. Thirty-three freight cares ran over her at fifty-five miles per hour and she lived. But her legs had been cut off and were lying on the ground ten feet away from her body.

I loved reading Kristen's transformation from a depressed, hurting teen who had been raped to a young woman who lives because God has a purpose for her life. Reading Kristen's story from her perspective was eyeopening, heart breaking, and life changing. The book also includes notes of encouragement from Kristen and resources for suicide prevention.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door by McDowell & Hostetler

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door: Know What You Believe and Why by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler is a great book for teens with questions, doubts, and many misconceptions about Jesus. It helps you understand the faith you live and know what you believe and why.

I was a little disappointed by this book because I thought it would tackle questions about creationism and evolution. Instead, it was mainly focused on myths about God, the Bible, Jesus, Christianity, the resurrection, and life and happiness.

I think a new Christian would benefit from this book a lot. A kid who grew up in church like me might get some much from it because they've heard it all before. I liked the quick "Brain Food" sections at the end of each chapter. It gave you Bible verses to look up yourself which I think is great. Too many kids read what everyone else thinks about the Bible and what the Bible says without checking it out for themselves.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Uncompromising by Hannah Farver

Ask any girl on the street what womanhood is about, and you’ll get a blank stare in return. No one knows. Young women are devoid of vision beyond popularity, material wealth, a cute boyfriend or a dream career. Even in Christian circles, significant questions are often left unanswered: What’s the point of purity? Modesty? Femininity? What’s biblical womanhood? Most of all, girls wonder at the longing in their souls for something greater.

Uncompromising: A Heart Claimed By a Radical Love cuts straight to the heart of young womanhood. Rather than setting up rules, it pulls at the desire in every woman’s heart to live a life of purpose, fully surrendered to His radical love. Written in an edgy teen voice, Uncompromising is a collection of “field notes” from the author’s own search for answers…and the story of how she stumbled upon the one Cause worth dying for. Contains study questions for group or individual use.

Uncompromising by Hannah Farver is about that yearning to have purpose in every girl's heart. It also touches on purity, modesty, femininity, and biblical womanhood. One of my favorite parts is when she emphasizes how much Jesus dying on the cross effects us. and how much He loves us.

Hannah starts out telling us a story about beauty - something every girl struggles with. In fact, Hannah has tons of short, amazing stories written inside this book. I loved her voice as she spoke about most topics people like to avoid. It was great to read a book by another young women like myself.

Small is Big by Dale and Barna

Church planters Tony and Felicity Dale and acclaimed researcher George Barna bring a big message to God’s church. How might we change the world if our Christian faith began multiplying at a rapid pace—through a way of life that is explosive and transformational? It happened once before, in the early days of the church; what will it take to bring us to that point of urgency and determination again? Small Is Big (originally published as The Rabbit and the Elephant) offers keys to 21st-century evangelism: leveraging the power of the small—and taking the gospel to where the people are and the pain is. And as God uses us to channel Jesus’ love into a hurting, desperate world, we’ll see his church grow beyond anything we could have imagined.

What would it be like have church like the apostles used to? Small groups of people meeting in their homes to pray and have fellowship. Those people going out and making more "church" groups in other homes in other cities around the world. Well, it's like the illistration they used. Rabbits. Put a girl rabbit and boy rabbit in a room for three years and when you open the door, you'll have a million rabbits hop out. But take something big, like two elephants, and in three years you'll only have one baby elephant. Small things tend to multiply faster, including churches.

This is a very thought provoking book. It actually answered some questions I'd been having like, "Why don't we take church to the world?"

"Why do I just sit on a pew Sunday after Sunday?"

"Should church be boring and non-interactive?"

"Why are so many people leaving tradional, legacy churches?"

I believe God can use anything. Legacy churches aren't bad, and simple churches aren't better. The real definition of a church is "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." (Matthew 18:20).

I sometimes volunteer at this ministry called Young America that turned a trailer in the middle of a trailer park a place for kids to come, eat, and have a Bible lesson. And the kids call it church. At first I thought, "Aw, that's cute." But it's so true. A church doesn't have to have a steeple or pews. It can be in a trailer, at a coffee shop, someone's house, on the street, wherever.

The authors were very clear at explaing that simple church is not for everyone. It's growing everyday, but just because simple church is gaining popularity doesn't mean you should go join one right now. You go where God leads you. I think they did a great job explaining simple church. I had never heard of it before. I knew people had Bible studies at coffee shops or at houses (my friend's family just started a church in their house), but I never knew it had a name.

If you're curious about simple church, definently check this book out. It will answer a lot of your questions. Great job, Tony and Felicity Dale, and George Barna!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Unleashed by Erwin Raphael McManus

Unleashed is a short, quick read about releasing the untamed faith within and choosing the barbarian way. You might be thinking, "Barbarian way? What is that?"

Simply put, it is to give your heart to the Only one who can make you fully alive.

It was an interesting concept that I enjoyed reading about. I agree, it's very common now a days for Christians to fall into a lull and forget their first love, their passion, their fire. In fact, it's even dangerous.

I loved all the stories about his daughter Mariah, his big mouth at church meetings, him letting his son jump off the roof (all I can say on that one is...read the book!), the miracle about God sending snow to just let someone know that He loves them, and much, much more.

Plus, I really liked the cover of this book and the title. I don't know why, but as soon as I saw that cover, I knew it was the author's daughter, Mariah, on the front. He described her so well, with her passion to help people, that her picture on the front really sums up the whole book. Free and unleashed.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Galileo by Mitch Stokes

From physics to religion, Galileo's life changed the world and how we perceive it.

Despite a debilitating life-long illness, Galileo changed physics from a purely philosophical subject into one involving mathematics and careful observation. But his innovations didn’t stop there. He also challenged beliefs about the very structure of the universe, arguing that the earth moves around the sun at dizzying speeds.

But suggesting such dramatic changes made philosophers uncomfortable. And because they were unable to refute Galileo on their own playing field, they sought help from theologians, sending Galileo headlong into a conflict with church officials. In this biography readers will be privy to the intrigues, personality clashes, and misunderstandings that led to Galileo’s famous trial and condemnation.

This book, Galileo, is part of the Christian Encounters series by Mitch Stokes. It follows Galileo all through his life, from his childhood to his death. It's a journey through time as we watch events unfold as Galileo kept going, made brilliant discoveries, and mentored young proteges.

I love Galileo's story so I was very excited to read this book. It was full of interesting facts like that Galileo's full name was Galileo Galileo (how crazy is that?!), he loved poetry, and that he disagreed with many of his professors. It sorta had too many facts for me, I like more a story when it comes to history. It's great for educating yourself, but I wouldn't pick up this book to read an adventure, romance, suspense, etc. It's more of a history lesson of the life of Galileo. Very interesting book though.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Reason Why by Mark Mittelberg

The Reason Why covered six basic questions people have about Christianity. Is there a God? Can the Bible be trusted? Are we accountable to God? Who was Jesus and what was His purpose? Is divine forgiveness available? And last, but not least, what do I need to do?

If you have any of these questions churning in your head, this is the book for you!

It's a short and easy read, only 126 pages. It's a small book. It's full of facts and things that make you think. Mittelberg used a lot of example to get across his point, which I loved. I love little stories thrown in to make things easier to understand. I also liked the fact that this boom can be read by Christians or non-Christians. I would actually highly recommend it to people who aren't Christians. The book lets you make up your own mind about God and includes a (optional) prayer in the beginning of the book that just asks "God, if you're really there and if these things I'm reading are really true, please show me" (page 4). They also encourage you to be open minded.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland and Lynn Vincent

The stirring narrative of Unsinkable tells sixteen-year-old Abby Sunderland's remarkable true story of attempting to become the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world.

More people have flown into outer space than have sailed solo around the globe. It is a challenge so immense that many have died trying, and all have been pushed beyond every physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual limit. In Unsinkable, readers follow Abby Sunderland into those depths. This biography delivers a gripping and evocative firsthand account that starts prior to her departure, travels through her daring (and sometimes near-death) encounters on the open sea, to her dramatic rescue in the remotest corner of the Indian Ocean, and the media explosion that happened upon her safe return to dry land.

Along the way, readers discover what it means to boldly face any challenge, to strive after something great, and to plumb the depths of faith, fear, and desperation only to emerge changed, renewed, and emboldened. In this day and age, when the most productive thing a teenager may do is play video games, Abby's ambition and tenacity is a real-life parable of what can happen when we choose to exceed our own limits, embrace faith, and strive after what all the naysayers say is impossible.

I really, really, really liked this book. And I've said before how I'm a fiction gal and usually stay away from biographies/autobiographies. I heard about Abby when I read Start Here by the Harris twins and they mentioned her in the book. It got me was interested in her story and I'm really surprised I never heard about it at all last year because it seemed like the media made a big deal about it. But I usually never watch TV and I never ever watch the news...

Abby's family sounds really awesome. I would have died of excitement if my parents bought a boat and we sailed around for three years. I mean, how cool is that?! My parents never took me and my sibs on a boat (except for that one time in Tallahassee, and that was so much fun), but I felt like I had a lot in common with Abby. She's one of seven kids, I'm one of six kids. She is home schooled, I was home schooled. She's 17, I'm 16. We're both Christians. We both have dreams that sound a little crazy to other people.

The book really did surprise me that I liked it so much. It was exciting and even though I know nothing about sailing, I made it through with only a couple of "yeah, I have no idea what that sailing term means, I'll just keep reading." There was a glossary in the back, but I hate those things and never use them.

I thought it was a great book, especially for teens. It gives hope, seeing what she did at such a young age. Or it might give you a kick in the butt to get motivated and chase after your own dream. For me, it was a little of both.

Way to go, Abby Sunderland!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

How to be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

A fun guide book for God’s little princesses.

What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book—how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.

How to be God's Little Princess was a cute book for girls. My little sisters "oohed" and "ahhed" when they saw the pretty pink book.

Walsh starts and ends the book with a little note for the girls telling them they're always God's little princess - even when they mess up or aren't always perfect. Then she launches into the royal tips for manners, etiquette and true beauty for princesses. The book is full of fun quizzes, "what's wrong with this picture?" activities, recipes, and craft ideas.

I thought it was a very cute book and my little sisters loved it. It was an easy read and entertaining for young girls. Definitely the perfect rule book for any of God's little princesses!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Changed By Faith by Luis Palau

What difference does faith make?

You might believe in God, but do you feel that he has truly changed your life? Are you on an amazing, world-shaking spiritual journey—or are you feeling restless and dissatisfied, wondering if this is really the best that faith in Jesus has to offer?

International evangelist and speaker Luis Palau has encountered people from all walks of life who believe in God but who have never experienced real, defining transformation. In Changed by Faith, he offers a gritty, up-close look at the broken world around us, the true redemptive power of the gospel—and what it means for your life today. Through dramatic personal stories and a solid Scriptural perspective, Luis walks you through the practical changes that come when you follow the true teachings of Jesus Christ, and shows you how God can take the ashes of your life and transform them into something beautiful.

Changed By Faith was a very good read. I loved all the stories about "broken" people who became saved and accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Lius wrote about many precious people who went through a lot before they got saved. He also wrote about faith, showing that we really live day to day on faith. "Faith is a part of our everyday lives" he wrote. I totally agree with that. He also had a very good argument to go along with it, explaining how we use faith everyday.

I thought it was a good book, but it isn't omg-that's-the-best-book-ever kind of book. It was just a good book. Bit I do think that the book really depends on the person. Someone who is struggling with faith might read this book and it could change their life. It all depends on who is reading it. As for me, I liked it, but didn't love it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Same Life, New Story by Jan Silvious

Using powerful character studies of ten women from Scripture, as well as modern-day stories from her work as a professional life coach, Bible teacher Jan Silvious helps women choose new stories instead of dumping, or wallowing in, their old lives.

Naomi, Leah, Rahab, Deborah, Hannah, Anna, Jehosheba, Abigail, Naaman's servant girl, and Elizabeth round out the cast of characters who, with their own stories, help readers find new perspectives with amazing results.

One of the main reasons I got this book was because I went to Jan's conference the day the book came out and really enjoyed it her speaking. She wrote this book for adults, but I still liked it.

I loved all the Bible stories Jan put in there like Naomi, Rahab, and Deborah (just to name a few). She made their stories come to life and pulled out what their thoughts and feeling may have been. Scared? Bitter? Stuck?

The great news is this - all those women had the same life, but by the time God was through working, they had a new story.

Jan peppered the book with her own stories, hopes, and disappointments. Other women's stories are included also. Each chapter ended with a "Personal Reflection", "Journal Entry", and "Group Discussion Questions." I love it when an author includes all that stuff in there. It really sums up the chapter and gets you thinking.

And all the scripture is already in the book! I may sound really lazy, but I hate it when I have to look verses up when I'm reading a book/Bible study. I just do. I like everything to flow together and be able to think without trying to juggle two books.

I totally agree with what Jan is trying to say about having your same old life, but with a new story. I'm a girl and I know we get crazy emotional sometimes and some not-so-good stories have our feelings all wrapped up in them. And we think we can't let go of these stories because it's who we are. The good news is, God wants to write a new story. Hallelujah.

Jan Silvious has been reaching out to women for over 20 years, helping them to think biblically, reason clearly, live fully, and embrace an intelligent attitude toward life. Of the ten books she has authored, two of her favorites have been reader favorites as well: Big Girls Don’t Whine and Fool-Proofing Your Life. Jan's ministry truly is 'encouraging women to embrace wisdom—an intelligent attitude toward life.'

Find the book on:

• Amazon
• Shelfari

Website/Blog:

• Author's Website

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Cause Within You by Matthew Barnett

Whether we realize it or not, each of us was created for a great cause—and we will never be truly fulfilled until we find and pursue it.

Matthew Barnett, son of a well-known mega church pastor, discovered his great cause when he relinquished his dream of building a big, successful church like his father’s and began listening for God’s dream for his life. Sensing that God was calling him to serve the poor and powerless of Los Angeles, Matthew founded the Dream Center, a beacon of hope for homeless families, drug addicts, abused women and children, victims of human trafficking, teen runaways, gang members, and many others whose lives were filled with brokenness.

If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life—The Cause Within You is the book that can change everything.

Through his own story and the stories of others whose lives have been transformed, Matthew Barnett will lead you to the cause of your lifetime.

I freakin' loved this book.

I'm a fiction gal. I like to read stories. I think one of the main reasons I didn't like Mere Churchianity was because there wasn't a story throughout the whole book. I kept waiting for Spencer to actually act out what he was preaching. But The Cause Within You kept me spell bound from the beginning all the way to the end, a story that began way back when as a sixteen-year-old pastor wannabe who was told he couldn't do it.

It starts out with a mega-church pastor seeing what it's like to be homeless. Literally on the streets sleeping on a cardboard box. I totally cheered this guy on. I thought, Finally! Someone who doesn't just PREACH. Someone who says they have faith and proves it with works! (James 2:14 - Awesome scripture. I totally recommend you pulling out your Bible and reading the book of James in the New Testament).

Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. It encouraged me soooo much to read about hundreds of people who don't just sit around debating all the time. It's okay to have questions and doubts (Happens to me all the time!), but it seems like some people just get STUCK in their questions. Seems to me that we humans have a lot of questions. And for some dumb reason we keep on asking each other. When was the last time you asked God?

Okay, sorry, I feel like I'm preaching. These are just the thoughts churning in my head. Back to the book!

Barnett wrote a lot about what God has taught him, and he ended some of the chapters with a short list called "What I've Learned." I loved that. Totally summed up the chapter and keeps you thinking.

He also wrote about the Dream Center and his church. I have a list of churches I want to visit (Like, The Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York, Joel Olsteen's church, Moody in Chicago, etc.) and his is so on my list. I would also love to visit the Dream Center.

If you're involved in ministry or you're looking for God's purpose in your life, this is the book for you. Barnett is so real in his book. I didn't feel like I was reading about a mega-church pastor, I felt like I was reading about a brother in Christ. He wasn't throwing in a bunch of "what-ifs" or "I think God wants us to do this and that." Instead he was genuine and I whole heartily agreed with everything he said.

Matthew Barnett, best-selling author of The Church That Never Sleeps and pastor of one of America’s fastest growing churches, is one of the most dynamic voices God is using in Christianity today. At the age of 34, he is fulfilling the roles of people who have been in the ministry for years. Son of Pastor Tommy Barnett, best-selling author, church growth pioneer, and pastor of what Time Magazine noted as “One of the three largest churches in America,” Matthew has learned powerful principles of ministry, which have gifted him in founding The Dream Center in Los Angeles.

Find the book on:

• Amazon
• Shelfari

Website/Blog

• Book's Website

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.

Mere Churchianity by Michael Spencer

Studies show that one in four young adults claim no formal religious affiliation, and church leaders have long known that this generation is largely missing on Sunday morning. Hundreds of thousands of "church leavers" have had a mentor and pastor, however, in Michael Spencer, known to blog readers as the Internet Monk.

Spencer discovered the truth that church officials often miss, which is that many who leave the church do so in attempt to find Jesus. For years on his blog, Spencer showed de-churched readers how to practice their faith without the distractions of religious institutions. Now, in his only book, you can read new material from the Internet Monk that has never appeared on his blog.

In Mere Churchianity, Spencer's writing continues to point the disenchanted and dispossessed to a Jesus-shaped spirituality. And along the way, his teachings show how you can find others who will go with you on the journey.

Things I thought after reading this book:

1. It did not change my life.
2. It did not change the way I viewed Christianity or Jesus.

I've really been thinking about what being a Christian REALLY means these past six months. I reached points where I was ready to leave "religion" and pursue a relationship with Jesus by taking a break from the church (We could discuss this a lot considering I really wouldn't have left at all since Christians ARE the church, but I won't go into that). So I was really interested when I read about his book and read this:

Have you left the church in search of Jesus?

But the book didn't meet my standards halfway. I found myself becoming bored and skipping pages. I loved the introduction, but it didn't hook me. I felt like there was a certain depth missing from the book that I was feeling in my heart.

I'm sure this book has helped many non-Christians and Christians see the real Jesus. Spencer did an excellent job writing and has helped many people. I agreed with most of what he said and was hesitant to agree with the rest of it (I never recommend that you read a book and believe every word in there. Line it up with Scripture and see if it's truth before you swallow it hook, line, and sinker.)

Michael Spencer was the founder, the primary writer, and editor of Internet Monk, Jesus Shaped Spirituality, and the moderator of the Boar's Head Tavern. Michael's first book, Mere Churchianity, was published by Random House/Waterbrook on June 15, 2010. He died on April 5, 2010 after a battle with cancer.

Find the book on:

• Amazon
• Shelfari

Website/Blog:

• Internet Monk

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Girl Talk with God by Susie Shellengerger

Do you know that you can talk to God the way you talk to your best friend?

Girl Talk with God shares eye-opneing private communication between teen girls and God. These intimate conversations show how amazing it can be to talk to God about anything.

But be prepared: God tells girls the truth, and sometimes it's not pretty. But when he challenges, He offers His grace, His comfort, and His awesome love.

And God is always there. He's there when a friend disapoints. He's there when you have doubts about faith. He's there when it's cold and lonely and sad. He's there no matter what.

Listen in. Find out what it's like to have the Creator of the universe for your best friend.

Girl Talk with God is all about girls getting real and talking with God - and listening to Him talk back. The overall message is letting God take control of your life, having a relationship with Him, and that He's aways there for you. NMW. No Matter What.

Susie peirced my heart with honest, intimate talks with God. I would have never guessed in a million years that a conversation would be so riveting. It was like a peek into His heart, a heart burning for a relationship with me, and with everyone in the world.

I loved how she covered so many topics, going from porn addiction, sexual purity, divorce, eating disorders, hell, cutting, boys, and much, much more. I didn't want the book to end! And the best part is that - it won't. I can pick up from where it left off into my own talks with God.

Susie Shellenberger is the editor of SUSIE Magazine for teen girls and was the founding editor of Brio Magazine. Susie has written 49 books, loves the smell of new tennis shoes, and has been to every continent in the world. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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