Book Review: Sacred Sex

Sacred Sex Embracing Your Sexuality as God Designed it

Author: Dr. Tony Evans

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Number of Pages: 74

Nonfiction: Sexuality, Christianity

Date Read: 04/22/2014

Summary:

     Morality. Relativity. Right and Wrong. The issues we face are complicated and everyone has an opinion. But who has the answer when it comes to sexual issues?

Sex dominates our popular culture to a degree we've never seen before and unrestricted sex is being touted as a shortcut to personal fulfillment and satisfaction - but it's a counterfeited and cheapened imitation of the real thing. Respected pastor Tony Evans refuses to let the voice of God be drowned out amidst the clamor of the crowd. Discover what God says in His word regarding why your sexuality is important and why sexual immorality is devastating. Discover how to maintain purity and enjoy true intimacy in marriage - the real fulfillment and satisfaction that God intended.

This summary was taken from Goodreads.

Star Rating:

     3.5 Stars

Content Rating:

     PG (recommended to 16 & up)

Reaction:

There were some good points made in this book about sexual purity, here are four things I liked about it:

1. I did enjoy the focus on the spiritual aspects of sex, and it did outline the emotional affects pretty well (though it would have benefited from more definition, and scientific facts to back it up-- citation, citation, citation, people...). The spiritual aspects have never been very well explained or talked about in depth with me, so it was enlightening to actually read how so.
2. Fun fact that I learned (but possibly knew in the past), was in biblical times if a husband found his new wife not to be a virgin on their wedding night and charged her for it, the family would have to provide the cloth that they slept and she bled on to prove she was and save her from the charges. Don't ask me how they got it, because I don't know.
3. I really enjoyed learning more about how the marriage covenant reflects God's covenant with us. Yeah yeah, we know sex is good within marriage, blah blah, but this book did make the connection and showed how it reflects God's covenant with us, and how when I husband and wife are together intimately, they renew-- recommit-- to that covenant with each other.
4. I liked the section that touched on when a husband says he wants to meet his wife's sexual needs, but does not meet her emotional needs throughout the day so he can later then meet her sexual needs, then he does not mean he really wants to meet those needs. He wants to meet his needs.   For women, it's different; if you aren't there for her when she needs you at 10am, until you want her at 10pm, then you're fooling yourself and it's just about you. (This does not justify or give a wife reason to deprive her husband and not meet his sexual needs though.)

Unfortunately, I expected a book that was going to enlightenment me on why I needed to make sex something sacred in my life, something that explained to me how it was more than just physical pleasure or even emotional connection while backing it up with facts, and an eye-opening attempt at convincing and proving to me that this was better for my life.

Instead I was disappointed and found a book that told me what to believe, though it did use a lot of Scripture well, rather than sharing more supportive evidence.

If I am completely honest: this book feels like it is an "advanced reading copy" and still in need of work. I do not regret reading it, because in truth there are some good qualities to it, but I will be looking to read other books on the subject of "sacred sex" because I am sure there is another book out there that shares this principle better.

Critique:

Truly, what bothered me most about this book were the few times that Tony made statements and did not further back them up with research, facts, personal experiences... something other than his own word.

Here is one of the few examples from the book that bothered me deeply:

"So Paul says that to avoid immorality, what men and women must do is save themselves for marriage. The fact is that some people were so sexually active before they got married that they were running on low octane after they got married. Their passions burned too early, and now they had burned low because they did not keep what was special and sacred for the marriage bed. This helps explain the high sales of Viagra and other performance-enhancing drugs. (page 49)"

This one in particular gets me fired up. Where is your proof? He makes a pretty sound statement, but I see nothing that truly holds up, "This helps explain the high sales of Viagra and other performance-enhancing drugs." I cringe at that sentence. Tony opens up an entirely new topic, slapping it onto a somewhat decent paragraph to make it sound dependable, and then drops it. He never touches on the subject again throughout the book.

Did he really only want to get his two-cents in there and that's it? Back it up, please. 

Secondly, this is not a very approachable book for those who are not a Christian. I understand Christians may be the target audience, but this is a huge downfall and I am very disappointed because I expected a book that was approachable. Sacred Sex is filled with Christian words that lack definition and explanation. Rather, I would prefer if Dr. Evans had taken the time to avoid those cliche, church words all together, even that would have made this book more reader friendly.

Aside from those two things, my last quarrel are a couple sections in Dr Evans book where he could have expanded upon the thought he was expressing. It's a bit harder to share an example of this, but there were times when I was reading, it was getting interesting, and then the section was over. That's it? Ran through my head a couple times.

Ultimately, I am not embarrassed to have read about sex, it's a topic that interests me. What this book lacks, however, is content. It really needed to be longer. Of course I enjoyed that it was short and easy to read, but it was too short.

Reading this review make you squirm?
Did you find it too harsh or unforgiving?

DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in exchange for posting an honest review. Thank you, Moody! If you are interested in having a book reviewed by me, you can check out my about page and contact me here.

Book Review: Rebellious Heart

Rebellious Heart

By: Jody Hedlund

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Genre: Fiction; Historical Romance

Number of Pages: 376

Overview:

    Because she's a woman, higher learning was always closed to Susanna Smith. But her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. And she's determined to marry well, so she'll be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Growing up with little to his name, poor country lawyer Benjamin Ross dreams of impacting the world for the better. When introduced to the Smiths he's taken by Susanna's intelligence and independent spirit, but her parents refuse to see him as a suitor for their daughter.

When the life of a runaway indentured servant is threatened, Susanna is forced to choose between justice and mercy, and Ben becomes her unlikely advisor. But drawing closer to this man of principle and intellect lands her in a dangerous, secret world of rebellion and revolution against everything she once held dear.

(Taken from Goodreads and also is what is on the back of the book.)

Star Rating:

      5 stars (I really liked this book.)

Content Rating:

     PG (recommended to 13&up though)

My Opinions:

     What I liked/loved - Okay, plain and simple, I loved the interaction between Susanna and Benjamin from the very beginning. It was nice to read a romance for once that had the two main characters bumping heads, bantering, and flirting from the start, considering they already had a bit of a history with each other.

Benjamin, Benjamin, Benjamin... What to say about him... I liked how he and Susanna both grew throughout the story, and also how he learned who he was trying to please in his life. This was a well done perspective on a "rags to riches" kind of guy, and who he thought he wanted to be. I loved how he cared about justice, but not in a too over zealous way and his beliefs that pushed against the comfortable world around him. Rebellion... Revolution...

Susanna's character was a little weak at times, but it was wonderfully done how her own thoughts and beliefs changed throughout the book. I loved reading about the challenges she faced in staying true to what was right, but how she also learned that what was right might not have been what she always believed in.

Last, but not least, I loved the ending of Rebellious Heart. The mystery, fear, emotion, and drama finally comes to a smashing finale. I loved it. It left me finishing the book happy and glad for every moment I spent reading its pages.

     What I didn't like/hated - Nothing to hate in this book, except maybe that it had an end. I enjoyed reading Rebellious Heart, and found it easy to blaze through its pages.

The Quality:
     This book starts out well with a sentence that grabs you and a story that soon begins to unfold. The first 50 pages are used to build up speed, but they are still entertaining, important to the story, and things definitely start picking up as this book goes on.

Hedlund writes in a way that pulled me into the story, without feeling like each sentence was dumbed down. I soon was reading through pages without even realizing how much I had read.

Rebellious Heart does indeed blend mystery and romance beautifully in this story. Not only will I be holding on to my copy of Rebellious Heart, but I hope to take the time to read it again. I would recommend it!

Iffy Content:

Language - None.

Sensuality - It is made known that a slave owner has mistreated some of his servants, and there are a couple other servants in the story that were sexually abused, but it does not go into detail. There are a few kisses exchanged between some of our main characters, as well as reference to kissing in a closet, it does not go beyond that and there are no sensual, make-out scenes. One man is newly married and excited about his wedding night, but the book does not go past that.

Violence - A couple girls have been murdered, but there is only one crime scene. It is briefly described, but not in great detail. One girl on the run had bloodied and cut feet because of no shoes.

Other - None that I can think of to mention.

Check out this book on:  Amazon or Barnes&Noble!!

Have you read this books? Any related books? What were you thoughts?

I'd like to know! I am always open for new reading suggestions as well.

Book Review: Kiss

Kiss

By: Ted Dekker & Erin Healy

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre: Fiction; Current-day; Suspense; Christian Fiction

Number of Pages: 322

Overview:

     Let me tell you all I know for sure. "My name. Shauna."

I woke up in a hospital bed missing six months of my memory. In the room was my loving boyfriend--how could I have forgotten him?--my uncle and my abusive stepmother. Everyone blames me for the tragic car accident that left me near death and my dear brother brain damaged. But what they say can't be true--can it?

I believe the medicine is doing strange things to my memory. I'm unsure who I can trust and who I should run from. And I'm starting to remember things I've never known. Things not about me. I think I'm going crazy.

"And even worse, I think they want to kill me."

But who? And for what? Is dying for the truth really better than living with a lie?

(Taken from Goodreads, and it's what's on the back of the book.)

Star Rating:

      4 stars (I liked it a lot.)

Content Rating:

     PG-13 (recommend to 15&up)

My Opinions:

     What I liked/loved - It was a good move to include Erin Healy as a coauthor for this story because it gave a slightly different feel to this book from Dekker's other novels.

I liked Shauna and the uniqueness of her story as well as the other characters. Our main girl was fleshed out pretty well, though it was sometimes a bit difficult for me to connect with her. Maybe it's because I've never been in a coma?

This book does have some suspense and is a pretty quick read when you actually sit down... and... ya know... read it. The story may be a bit confusing at first, but hang in there if it's that way for you. Once I finished the book, I didn't feel confused or befuddled at all.

This is one of Dekker's less scary/intense novels, if you're look for something that will keep you up at night on the edge of your seat then go for one of his thrillers. When it comes to suspense novels though, this one had enough angst to get ya going.

Now the romance... was pretty good, though mild. At the end, I was very happy with Kiss's conclusion. It was worth my time, and definitely entertaining. I think I would read it again, and would recommend it to someone looking for a good (suspense) novel or something new to read.

     What I didn't like/hated - Shauna's relationship with her father was done very well, and I applaud the authors here, but to accompany that, her stepmother could have used a little extra oomph. She just seemed a bit disconnected form the story.

The Quality:
     Kiss is definitely a book for pleasure reading. It wrapped itself up well- though I might say I have read books that have done a better job. Like a lot of stories, the ending or mainly the epilogue was a bit short for my taste. It did not feel rushed, but it would have been nice to savor the ending for a bit longer because it was good.

The style of writing easily pulls you across the page, one of the perks of reading in the suspense genre, but quality wise it did lack a little something. I am just not exactly sure what that something was; I highly doubt Kiss would win any awards and that could be it. Or it actually could be that it had some of Healy's style thrown in, making it feel different from Dekker's other books, but I think she was a good addition for this story- I'm sort of back and forth about it.

     I  think this book will go over well with guys and girls alike. Give it a try!

Content (For Those Who Wonder):

     Language - There may have been a bad word or two, but mainly just mention of people "cursing".

     Sensuality - Yes, there is some kissing going on. But most of it is hardly sensual, when you start reading, you'll understand. It was pretty clean in this area. There is talk of human trafficking/sex trafficking, but no details; one of the women in the book is a part of stopping it and saving those who have been sold into slavery.

     Violence - Some violence in here. People get shot, someone is stabbed, there is a scene or two where someone is being drowned as well as a scene/talk of waterboarding (controlled drowning as a means of interrogation, training, or torture). There's also a young man who was in a wreck and now suffers from a lot of brain damage.

     Other - Drugs are talked about and used, mainly for medical purposes. There isn't any actual alleyway-drug-dealing type stuff going on, nor are there any situations or skirmishes with people on drugs. It is not condoned. Again, this is a Christian book so there is some talk of God and faith, Shauna had given up on God, but the book ends well.

Check out this book on:  Amazon or Barnes&Noble!!

Have you read this books? Any related books? What were you thoughts?

I'd like to know! I am always open for new reading suggestions as well.

Book Review: Into the Whirlwind

Into the Whirlwind

By: Elizabeth Camden

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Genre: Fiction; Historical Romance; Christian Fiction; Chicago Fire

Number of Pages: 374

Overview:

     As owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, Mollie Knox's future looks bright until the night the legendary Great Chicago Fire destroys her beloved city. With her world crumbling around her, Mollie will do whatever it takes to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

     Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, is a force to be reckoned with among the city's most powerful citizens. Bold and shrewd, he's accustomed to getting exactly what he wants-- until he meet Mollie Knox, the beguiling businesswoman just beyond his reach.

     As the people of Chicago race to rebuild, Mollie comes face-to-face with the full force of Zack's influence. Zack believes this may be his chance to win her, but can Mollie ever accept this man and his whirlwind effect on her life, especially with her treasured company on the line?
(It's what's on the back of the book.)

Star Rating:

      4.25 stars (I liked it a lot.)

Content Rating:

     PG (recommend to 15&up)

My Opinions:

     What I liked/loved - This book kept me reading. It was interesting, exciting, and romantic though clean. I loved seeing the interaction between our two main characters, even if I sometimes wished I could strangle them. The ending was sweet too. And the Chicago fire? What a nightmare! Camden's scenes, I felt, were very believable and seem realistic to what it would have been like to experience such a catastrophe.

Camden did a wonderful job with Zack Kazmarek, I definitely loved his character and how enduring he was. Mollie made things interesting, and it was fun to be inside her head. Getting to understand their relationship from both perspectives made this book stand out for me because it wasn't too cheesy. I knew what she didn't know, and what he didn't know, and despite their rough patches, I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked how their relationship panned out; it wasn't full of only sweet, tender moments or fake over-the-top angst. It was a bit more realistic, though still fictional. Try reading this book and not falling for Zack... it's almost impossible.

     I would recommend this novel! And will definitely look forward to reading another novel by Elizabeth Camden.


The Quality:
     Once again, this is a book for pleasure reading. I have not read any of Camden's previous novels, so this was my first read of hers. I was impressed with her writing, though I think it still has room here and there for improvement. Her crafting of sentences gives the writing variety, but it is easy to follow along and read. What I have found is that the reading level of some romances, even historical romances, can easily become too young and feels dumbed down, or are full of long, complicated sentences. Camden created a novel that was easy to read and understand, without feeling like it was a 6th grade reading level.

     Her descriptions were blended in well, without overpowering the story. She is also consistent throughout her novel. I did not find any mishaps or inconsistent facts. Well done! I look forward to reading the next novel she publishes in hopes of her writing improving even more, because I see a great potential for beautiful, enjoyable storytelling from her.

Content (For Those Who Wonder):

     Language - None that I know of.

     Sensuality - Some, a little kissing, or an embrace here or there. This novel is very clean, making it appropriate for most ages, though it will obviously be more enjoyable to older teenagers and adults.

     Violence - The Chicago fire adds an intense element to this novel, and while realistic, it is not too graphic or gruesome by any means.

     Other - This is a Christian, historical romance and faith is incorporated into this book. Thankfully it seemed to fit in fairly well, and was not something merely added on top or worse seemed phony and overpowering.

Check out this book on:  Amazon or Barnes&Noble!!

Have you read this books? Any related books? What were you thoughts?

I'd like to know!

Book Review: 31 Days of Praise

31 Days of Praise: Enjoying God Anew

By: Ruth Myers with Warren Myers

Publisher: Multnomah Books

Genre: Nonfiction, Christian, Shifting My Focus

Number of Pages: 158

Overview:

    "I know I should praise God, but I don't know how . . . I don't have time . . . I just don't feel like it." Christians who long to experience God in a fresh, deep way will treasure this powerful, personal praise guide. Every day for just one month, a Scripture-based devotional cultivates the "heart habit" of praise and worship. Readers will be gently inspired to appreciate and adore the Lord in all things - yes, even in the midst of pain, disappointment, and heartache. A deeper intimacy with God - and a greater love for Him - is the sure result.
(Summary taken from Goodreads and is also what's on the back of the book.)

Star Rating:

     5 stars (I really liked it.)

Content Rating:

     G

My Opinions:

     What I liked/loved - I started reading this at a time in my life where I felt like I needed my focus to be more on praising God. I was struggling in my life, and now dealing with tiredness, anxiety, and discouragement. It was the perfect time to start reading this book. It has been a wonderful tool in helping me realize first hand and experience the benefits of praising Him, and how my praise in turn further enriches my life. I would highly recommend it! I will most likely be reading and using it again.

Check out this book on:  Amazon or Barnes&Noble!!

Have you read this books? Any related books? What were your thoughts?

I'd like to know! I am always open for new reading suggestions as well.

Book Review: Art and the Bible

Art and the Bible

By: Francis A. Schaeffer (Foreword by Michael Card)

Publisher:  IVP Books

Genre:  Nonfiction; Christian; Art; Bible

Number of Pages:  94

Overview:

    "The lordship of Christ should include an interest in the arts," writes Francis Schaeffer. "A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God, not just as tracts, mind you, but as things of beauty to the praise of God."

Many Christians, wary of creating graven images, have steered clear of artistic creativity. But the Bible offers a robust affirmation of the arts. The human impulse to create reflects our being created in the image of a creator God.

Art and the Bible has been a foundational work for generations of Christians in the arts. In this book's classic essays, Francis Schaeffer first examines the scriptural record of the use of various art forms, and then establishes a Christian perspective on art. With clarity and vigor, Schaeffer explains why: "the Christian is the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars."
(Summary taken from Goodreads, italicization is mine.)

Star Rating:

     5 stars (I loved it.)

Content Rating:

     PG (recommend to 13&up)

My Opinions:

     The title says it all. Schaeffer talks about different forms of art and what the Bible has to say about art in general. He argues how important it is, even just for enjoyment and backs up his argument with Scripture. He also goes into how we should view and create art.

This book was amazing! I've learned so much and it has made me think differently about art, I'll have to read it again. I love how Schaeffer truly expresses the freedom we're supposed to have as Christians, but also touches on our responsibilities. This book was so enlightening and encouraging!

The Quality:
     I loved his easy, understandable way/style of writing. Yes, there may have been a word or two (or three) I had to look up, but it was much, much easier to read than I expected. Highly recommend it!

Content (For Those Who Wonder):

     Language - None.

     Sensuality - None.

     Violence - None.

     Other - None.

Check out this book on:  Amazon or Barnes&Noble!!

Have you read this books? Any related books? What were your thoughts?

I'd like to know!

Book Review: The Girl in the Gatehouse

The Girl in the Gatehouse

By: Julie Klassen

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: Fiction; Historical Romance; 1800s Era; Christian Fiction

Number of Pages: 391

Overview:

     Mariah Aubrey has left the only home she ever knew, now takes her haunting secret with her, and Miss Dixon as her only companion. When Captain Bryant comes to lease the estate where the gatehouse she lives in resides, fear begins to eat away at her once more. Fear of being found out as a female author, writing being her only means of making a living. Fear of her past being discovered. Fear of losing the only home she now has. Fear that she will never be allowed a chance at love again.

Star Rating:

      3.5 stars (I liked it pretty well.)

Content Rating:

     PG (recommended to 13&up)

My Opinions:

     What I liked/loved - Don't get me wrong, this book was great. There was a good bit of mystery and questions that needed answered to pull you along through its pages. Julie Klassen also happens to be one of my favorite authors, having read four of her books that are this sort of fiction.

The regency era (historical fiction, really) with some romance mixed in is one of my favorite genres. Her two books The Apothecary's Daughter and The Silent Governess are on my favorite books' list.

The relationship between Mariah and Captian Bryant is not anything to worry about. Thankfully there are some sweet, charismatic moments for those romantics at heart. What historical romance would be complete without them?

There is just something about when a relationship unfolds slowly, and I get to have  those times when I hold my breath or sigh happily.

     What I didn't like/hated - However, this book did fall a bit short of my hopeful expectations. I knew some other reviewers had found it to be a bit slow and not one of her best works, but I tried to maintain a bright outlook as I read it. This book took me forever to finish though, and it was not until about halfway through that it finally started to really grab my attention.

I found it too easy to set it aside, and took a break or two to finish/read other books in between finishing this one (something I usually try to avoid). The conclusion was satisfying, and I did not regret spending my time on it, but I have to agree that this was not her best work- though still a good one. Maybe because it was confined to such a small area (no traveling really), it did not give my mind enough places to wander.

     This book is still worth reading, especially if you love historical romances with a bit more story to them... or if you would like to see what life for a female writer in the 1800s might be like... or if you love Jane Austen's book Persuasion. Sadly, it won't be going on my "favorite books' list" though. 

Content (For Those Who Wonder):

     Language - None.

     Sensuality - Some. There are some kissing scenes, and talk about a shady past (a girl was taken advantage of when she was younger as well as Mariah's fall, is made clear, but there aren't any disturbing or inappropriate details). There are a few "sensual" moments in referencing to Mariah's past, her feelings towards a man, and when a man embarrasses her in front of a small party. Though nothing is really inappropriate, and is suitable for most ages.

     Violence - Hardly any, Captain Bryant suffers from nightmares and guilt from his time at war, and we also hear the story of another captain's experiences. Nothing very gruesome or gory though.

     Other - No other content to note or worry about. But I will mention this is a Christian book, so mention of God, faith, etc. do make some appearances for any of those wondering. 

Check out this book on:  Amazon or Barnes&Noble!!

Have you read this book? Any related books? What were your thoughts?

I'd like to know! I am always open for new reading suggestions as well.

Book Review: Immanuel's Veins

Immanuel's Veins

By: Ted Dekker

Publisher: Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Genre: Fiction; Christian; Love; Romance; Suspense; Good vs. Evil

Number of Pages: 367

Overview:

     He is known for his reputation of being a skilled and fearless warrior, a fighter for the empress of Russia herself, but Toma could never imagine what his next charge will bring him to. What he would do for her. . . for them.

     He is bound by an unbreakable duty. A duty he will not, can not, fail to serve.

     This is a story of love, lust, and what lies in between. It is a story of sacrifice. It is a battle between powerful beings. And it most definitely is an emotionally-stirring book.

Star Rating:

      4.75 stars

Content Rating:

     PG-13 (For mature audiences.)

Opinions:

     I understand why some people found this book controversial. It is definitely different from books I typically read, and did have some sensual pulls and moments that left me begging the characters not to give in. I think this is what happens when you deal with a topic about the world's view of love, human desires and cravings, and what true love is. Most of the book kept me wondering what on earth was going on! I knew what was happening, I could feel that something evil was lurking, but you couldn't place your finger on exactly what it was! Until finally we are given some answers as the main character, Toma, learns them.

    Though this is not the best book I have ever read in terms of quality/writing, it is definitely a good one. The ending redeems any negatives I might have held against its somewhat slow, but necessary, beginning and the fact that Dekker wouldn't tell me right away what was wrong with this picture! He did a pretty good job tying things up in a way that said what he was trying to say about true love versus the misconceptions we have about it, without spelling it out like we went from a fiction novel to a sermon session. (Nothing meant rudely against sermons, I am just saying he didn't have to rely on preaching to us to make his point, which is a good thing when you are writing fiction.)

     The ending was just about perfect. I dislike using that word just because no one and nothing we do can be truly perfect, but it ended the book very well. It suited the story. (If one of the things hadn't happened, it would have felt too cheesy. Or if something else had happened, it would have been a bit too typical.)

     But it was unique, satisfactory, insightful, and compelling.

     Overall, I would recommend this book, but note that the topics and content may not be for everyone. I would not recommend it for younger teens, since most of Ted Dekker's books are for a more mature audience. So I would say make your own judgement on it, because it really comes down to you and your choices. 

     In the end, I say it is worth reading- even if it does make you squirm a little. 

Iffy Content:

     Some. It really is up to the reader because I would definitely recommend this book. I am a sucker for romances, but even more so for stories that deal with the true meanings of love and sacrifice. I do also enjoy stories that have a good "happy" ending, but are still realistic. . . Books that allow for a lot of emotional tension and have feeling to them, like any girl I guess. Yet I am drawn to books that deal with topics that run deep, through all of us, and thus allow for a stronger connection between them.

     As far as what Ted Dekker wrote about in this book, I will say there is no apparent sex-scenes. There is some sensuality and some of the characters do not come home at night for various reasons, but I do not feel that it is really there for enticement. It serves a purpose in the story. Also I will note that there are a few "bad" words when referring to some of the women who are. . . well, bad girls. But no misuses of God's name or anything like that I don't think.

     The sensuality is used in displaying some misconceptions about love and how the devil tries to woo us away from God, and without it I fear the story would have been seriously lacking something. However, there is a lot of desire as some of the characters are being encouraged to embrace this so called "love." Some of them do come to believe that this is true love in its most raw, powerful, and fulfilling form, but we see that there is something missing. Something is not right about it all. 

Is not the best lie one that has a bit of truth in it?

     There is some nudity, though it is not the stuff of Hollywood movies; it is used in a somewhat different context I guess. There are several "kiss scenes", some for fulfilling the characters' desires and a few others that are for good.

     I do not find this book "ban-worthy", if you are worried about that. It is sort of a taboo thing to talk about (love, lust, evil, human desires), so I see how some people would just avoid it all together. You have to decide for yourself and listen for how God leads you on whether or not to read this story. The worse part about it is that you really have to read the whole thing in order to see where Dekker is going with all this stuff. The "evil" may be controversial, but it's not something I can explain without giving the story away. I would recommend that if you are going to give the book a shot, read it all the way through. If you do not, you won't be left with a very good picture of what the book is about nor its quality.

     Again, in the end, I say Immanuel's Veins is worth reading- even if it may make you a bit uncomfortable at times. For there is a powerful message behind it.

Have you read Immanuel's Veins?

Any related books about taboo subjects? What were your thoughts?

I'd really like to know! Please comment and share!

Review: The Book Lover's Journal

By: Rene J. Smith

Publisher: Peter Pauper Press

Genre: Nonfiction; Book Journal; Reading Record; Organizer

Number of Pages: 216

Overview:

What is this??? This is a journal designed to log books, record what you have read, and review novels. But this journal also contains sections to write down books that you would like to read, books you own (borrowed, lent, or have given), book group info, and some fun pages at the end.

Positive Opinions:

First of all, I will say that I love this journal. I have already recorded two books in it and can not wait to fill it up more. Though I will add that I am not using this journal to record previous books I have read, only the ones I read starting with this year.

Alright, so as you can see from my sneak peek into this journal:

. . . it has a rating chart!

This is one of the things I liked about this journal compared to my previous one (which is much smaller- almost pocket sized- and less descriptive). It still did/does its job very well, but I like my new journal better overall.

I also just like how the entire book is laid out. The format and information included for each book review is great. It is easy to fill in the blanks, circle the numbers I feel the book deserves, and then make any comments I want about it on the next page. There is plenty of room for me to write anything; be it the basic plot, how I liked the book, things to remember about it, or whatever else.

Another good thing about this book is that it has a hard cover and a spiral center, making it easy to write on. (Yay! No awkward middle section that is a pain to write on!) It has a table of contents for book reviews as well, so you can write down the title of the book and what page its review is on. I really like that about the journal.

Then last, but not least, it has an overall five-star rating at the bottom!

Negative Opinions:

The main thing I wish was different about this journal is that it had a specific line that said something like "Date Started" and "Date Finished". My previous journal had this, and now I sort of miss it. But I can still use the "When & where read" line in this book to do the same thing, so I will survive.

Closing Words:

So if you are in to reviewing and keeping track of the books you read, pick yourself up a copy of this journal! I would recommend it and think it is definitely worth the money!

Check it out on:  Amazon or Barnes&Noble!!

Or if you prefer to just keep track of the books (and don't care so much for the reviewing in depth part), try the previous version I had!

Wait! Don't go yet. . .

SPECIAL NOTE: All opinions are my own. I purchased the previous journal and the new one was given to me as a gift for Christmas. Peter Pauper Press provided three of the pictures used in this post, and I was also given another journal by them that I will be giving away!

So stay tuned for a chance to WIN a FREE The Book Lover's Journal!!!

Do you record the books you read?

What are your thoughts on keeping track of read books, a great idea or a waste of time?

Also I am always open for new reading suggestions!

Photos by Peter Pauper Press and Jackson