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Showing posts with label Inspirational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspirational. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 06, 2019
Empowering, Faith-Promoting Memoir Proves Anyone Can Change (with a Giveaway!)
(Image from Amazon)
Daniel L. Trotter became hooked on illegal drugs at a young age. This—as well as addictions to alcohol, tobacco, pornography, and partying—continued to plague him throughout adolescence and young adulthood, leading where such vices inevitably will. After numerous close calls, as well as a suicide attempt and stays in both jail and a mental facility, Trotter finally hit rock bottom. Desperate to change his life, he took dramatic action. Inspired by the Biblical story of Jesus' forty-day fast in the wilderness, Trotter embarked on his own journey. He promised himself—and God—that he wouldn't emerge from the forest where he was camping until he had found the strength to transform his life. For good.
A Different Kind of Strong is Trotter's story. Although it describes a long struggle with debilitating addictions, the memoir is a short, easy read, making it approachable for even the most reluctant reader. It's written in a casual, conversational style that marks Trotter as an Everyman, whose mistakes and challenges could be those of any one of us. His yearning for God, which led to his eventual conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the faith which his family embraced, but he abandoned), shows that, with the help of the Lord, anyone can change. Through an ongoing process of repentance, forgiveness, restitution, and turning to God, past mistakes can be made right and present challenges overcome. Trotter is quick to point out that his life didn't immediately become perfect after his life-changing experience in the wilderness, but it did improve in ways he never could have imagined.
While A Different Kind of Strong doesn't feature the strongest prose, it's still a compelling, empowering memoir that offers help and hope to those struggling with addiction. Overall, I enjoyed this fast, faith-promoting read.
In addition to being a writer, a personal trainer, a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), and a motivational speaker, Trotter is also a singer and songwriter of inspiring religious music. His CD, also titled A Different Kind of Strong, can be purchased on his website or at Amazon. The songs are also available for download on Amazon.
(Readalikes: I don't read a lot of books like this, so no titles are coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence, nudity, and references to drug use, drug dealing, prostitution, etc. (although descriptions are not overly graphic)
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of A Different Kind of Strong as well as a CD of the same name from the very generous Daniel L. Trotter via Moore PR Group. Thank you!
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Tuesday, September 04, 2018
O.U.R. Founder Offers Hope, Action Against Human Trafficking Plague
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Although slavery was officially abolished in the U.S. more than 150 years ago, human beings are still bought and sold here every day. Thousands of these are children, trafficked to satisfy the perverted sexual proclivities of our fellow Americans. Globally, around 20-30 million people (about 6 million of whom are kids) are enslaved, most forced into the commercial sex trade, a 150 billion dollar enterprise (34). The numbers are astounding. Against such a tsunami of evil, what can possibly be done? How can I, a single person dog paddling against the overwhelming tide, help stop this ever-growing plague?
Timothy Ballard is one person who is making a difference. A former special agent for the CIA and Department of Homeland Security, he founded Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) in 2013. Made up of other former operatives from government agencies and the military, the group's mission is to rescue and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking and bring the perpetrators of such crimes to justice. O.U.R., Ballard assures, is not a vigilante group. It works within the laws of the countries in which it operates and in cooperation with foreign governments to stop the plague of human trafficking. With a number of successful rescue operation under its belt, O.U.R. is proving to be an unstoppable force in the fight against human trafficking.
In his new book, Slave Stealers, Ballard discusses the inspiration behind O.U.R. and how his organization uses lessons from the past to guide its day-to-day operations. Although he talks about some of O.U.R.'s rescue missions, his focus remains mostly on the original Underground Railroad. He discusses historical leaders and heroes, some of whom are well-known (Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, etc.) and many whom are not (Harriet Jacobs, Levi Coffin, Robert Smalls, Cornelia Willis, etc.). Despite the disturbing, overwhelming nature of his subject, Ballard emphasizes hope. He insists that if good, ordinary citizens of all creeds, colors, and backgrounds can unite against the evil that is human trafficking, the plague can be eradicated. Just like the battles of the past, this fight will require courage, cunning, compassion, and bold, well-planned action. As has happened before, this war can be won.
It's difficult not to feel bolstered by Ballard's optimism, especially considering the evil, heart-wrenching crimes he's seen with his own eyes. His faith, his courage, and his positivity shine through everything he writes in this book. While Slave Stealers is not overly graphic, its subject matter is as disturbing as it gets. In spite of this, Ballard's tone is upbeat, making this volume an inspiring call-to-action that offers undeniable proof that when humans combine their individual sparks they can ignite a righteous bonfire that can spread light into even the darkest of corners. As Ballard says to the children he seeks daily: Your long night is coming to an end. Hold on. We are on our way.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other books about slavery and the Underground Railroad, although no titles come readily to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, disturbing subject matter, and references (not overly graphic) to rape, kidnapping, child abuse/neglect/abandonment, etc.
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Slave Stealers from the generous folks at Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Life-Affirming Medical Memoir a Powerful, Inspirational Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
As a healthy woman who had experienced a normal pregnancy only a year and a half ago, Carol J. Decker had no reason to expect that anything would be different with her second. Despite having some flu-like symptoms, she entered the hospital on June 10, 2008, expecting nothing out of the ordinary. Instead, she was rushed to the ER, where an emergency C-section was performed. Even then, Carol could not have imagined how profoundly and irrevocably her life was about to change.
The 33-year-old mother had contracted an infection which turned into sepsis. As toxins invaded every part of her body, Carol fought desperately for survival. Although she ultimately won the war, she endured months of excruciating pain, humiliating helplessness, and overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and despair. Left with permanent blindness, painful skin grafts, and three amputated limbs, Carol couldn't imagine how she could possibly go on. How could she fulfill her roles as wife, mother, and productive citizen without sight? Without legs? Without an arm? Wouldn't it have been better if she had just died on the operating table?
In Unshattered, Carol J. Decker describes not just the agony of fighting sepsis but also the victory of choosing to live a life of beauty and joy, even in the face of unspeakable tragedy. As a narrator, she eschews sentimentality and banal platitudes, employing a raw candor that smacks of honesty and hard-won wisdom. While Decker doesn't pull any punches, she does focus on the greatest lesson she learned from her experience:
"I began to weigh the thought of tragedy versus destiny. I could not control the tragedy that befell my life, but I could control my destiny. It was mine to determine by the choices I made. I chose to believe I could lead a purposeful life." (quote from page 156 of an uncorrected proof)
An inspiring, life-affirming book about hope, faith, and triumphing over challenges, Unshattered is a short but powerful read. I highly recommend it for anyone who needs a reminder that, no matter what might befall us, living one's best life is about choice, not chance.
For a touching teaser, click below:
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for descriptions of medical procedures that might be too graphic/scary for young readers
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Unshattered from the generous folks at Shadow Mountain. Thank you!
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Sweet Is the Work Offers Inspiring Lessons from Early Sister Missionaries (With a Giveaway!)
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is well known for sending missionaries to all corners of the globe to teach people the Gospel. The majority of these missionaries have—historically—been young men. However, many "senior" couples also serve as do thousands of young women. When did the Church start extending official mission calls to women? Although many women served as unofficial missionaries (most as companions to their husbands) before then, the first female called to be a full-time proselyting missionary was set apart all the way back in 1898. I had never heard of Amanda "Inez" Knight, who earned a place in LDS history by accepting this historical call.
When Breanna Olaveson heard about Knight and other early sister missionaries, she knew she wanted to write about these courageous and faithful women. Her new book, Sweet Is the Work: Lessons From the First Sister Missionaries, tells the stories of twelve women who left their homes to serve the Lord in the mission field. They endured sickness, mob violence, anxiety, the deaths of children, and many other afflictions in order to bring the Gospel to far-flung nations. Their tales are fascinating as well as inspiring. Sweet Is the Work is a slim volume, so Olaveson doesn't go into a lot of depth on any of the women, which is unfortunate. While I always appreciate a nice, quick read, I did want a little more substance out of this book. Still, it provides an interesting peek into a piece of Church history that I knew little about. Anyone with an interest in LDS missionary work will find it a worthwhile read. I know I did.
(Readalikes: Reminded me a little of At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women by Jennifer Reeder and Kate Holbrook, eds.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Sweet Is the Work from the generous folks at Covenant Communications. Thank you!
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Interested in more opinions about Sweet Is the Work? Follow along on the book's blog tour:
Schedule:
*March 27th: http://heidi-reads.
*March 30th: http://lisaisabookworm.
*March 31st: http://www.
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Saturday, March 04, 2017
Don't Worry ... Be Happy!
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Are you happy? What makes you that way? What keeps you that way? According to Hank Smith, a popular writer and speaker, humans are hard-wired for happiness. In the introduction to his new book, Be Happy, he writes: "The desire to be happy is ingrained in you. The Lord put it there. You might think of it as His fingerprint on your brain" (2). If that is so (and it is—it's in the scriptures), then why are so many people so unhappy? What makes them that way? What keeps them that way?
Smith proposes that, in most cases, we are what is making us unhappy. By banishing behaviors that lead to unpleasant results, we can create more joyful lives for ourselves. Smith is quick to note that cases of clinical depression are a different ballgame, but for those with garden-variety unhappiness, small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on one's general outlook. Being happier is not about our circumstances, insists the author, but in how we deal with those circumstances. Using examples from scripture as well as counsel from notable leaders, thinkers, scientists, etc. the author offers practical advice on paving a happier path. Everything from meditating to identifying stimuli in order to better control our reactions to it to keeping a gratitude journal to eating better to laughing more to serving other people can help us be happier on a daily basis.
If you've heard Hank Smith speak, you are familiar with his positive, upbeat style. This engaging voice infuses Be Happy, making it a quick, funny read that will keep you smiling. The advice he gives is solid, though, and definitely worth putting into practice. Even people who would describe themselves as naturally happy can find tips to make their existence even more joyful. Overall, this small book is a gem. It's an easy, helpful read that should bring light to anyone who's feeling down. I enjoyed this fun pick-me-up and would recommend it to anyone who needs a little happy in their life.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Be Happy from the generous folks at Covenant Communications. Thank you!
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
At the Pulpit Ground-Breaking, Awe-Inspiring, Faith-Promoting
I know murder and mayhem seems to be business as usual around here, but occasionally I do tackle serious books. The shock! The horror! When my husband saw me reading At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-Day Saint Women—highlighters in hand—I think he shed a real tear at this so-obvious sign of my literary (and spiritual) maturation! Although I find myself consuming books mainly as a form of entertainment (hence the mystery/thrillers), like any religious person, I enjoy reading things which inspire me, uplift me, and strengthen my faith. Dense, heavy tomes rarely keep my attention, so I prefer this kind of literature to be on the lighter side. While I believe At the Pulpit qualifies as such, it is by no means fluffy or insignificant. In fact, it's an incredible collection of words by LDS sisters that provides a penetrating peek at the kind of smart, passionate, devoted women who have always filled the Church with their faith, fortitude, and fidelity.
Edited by Jennifer Reeder and Kate Holbrook—both historians with the LDS Church History Department—the book includes 54 discourses (selections come from talks, meeting notes, informal testimonies, songs, etc.) that were given by LDS women between 1831 and 2016. Presented in chronological order, each installment includes a biographical sketch of its speaker as well as a note about the historical context in which the discourse was given. Photographs also accompany some of the selections. Together, these articles provide a fascinating timeline of the evolution of the Church's Relief Society program while also offering proof of the vital role women always have—and always will—play, not just in that organization, but also in every one that exists within the Church. Anyone who believes women and their contributions are not appreciated in the LDS Church needs to read this book.
Probably my favorite part of studying At the Pulpit involved discovering and re-discovering the amazing women who've been part of the Church since its very beginning. Emma Hale Smith's vision was extraordinary. Eliza R. Snow's practical pioneer wisdom rang out loud and clear every time she spoke. Alice S. Smith's simple testimony of visiting teaching struck a chord. I wept over the conversion story of Irina Kratzer, a Siberian convert. I laughed at the "cheekiness" of Judy Brummer, a South African who was instrumental in bringing the Gospel to the Xhosa people. Elaine Jack helped me to "Get a Life." Jutta B. Busche reminded me never to feel inferior, remembering always that I am a daughter of God. Sheri L. Dew made me laugh over inaccurate addition and bad hair days at the same time she taught me valuable lessons about listening to the Holy Ghost. And Elsie Talmage Brandley—whom I'd never heard of before—blew me away with a talk about the "The Religious Crisis of Today." It couldn't have been more timely, even though it was written in 1934!
Reeder and Hobrook make a point of including as much variety as they can in these discourses and truly, it's remarkable, how different are these women. Some hail from the United States, some from Africa, some from Latin America, and beyond. Some are single, some are married, some are plural wives, some are widows. Some are mothers, some are grandmothers, some are favorite aunts. Some are teachers, some are poets, some are social workers, some are authors, some are businesswomen. What do they have in common? All are sisters. All are women of God. All are devoted to their faith, their families, their nations, their neighborhoods, their fellowman (and woman). All promote what is good, what is Christ-like, what is right.
When I received At the Pulpit for review, I started reading 1-3 selections from it every night along with my scripture study. That nightly devotional sustained me. It was inspirational and awe-inspiring. I'm anxiously awaiting volume 2 in the series (which, as far as I know, is only wishful thinking on my part) so I can continue what has been, for me, a transforming experience. Bottom line: I love this book and highly recommend it to anyone. Anyone at all.
For more information, please visit the book's website, where you can read about At the Pulpit and enjoy a number of the published discourses, as well as several bonus selections, for free. The book can be purchased through the Distribution Center, as well as at Amazon, Deseret Book, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-Day Saint Women from the generous folks at the LDS Church History Department. Thank you!
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Seminary Teacher Offers Practical, Spiritual Advice for RMs in Second 10 Questions Book
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Benjamin Hyrum White, a Utah seminary teacher, wrote 10 Questions to Answer After Serving a Mission to help RMs make the most of post-mission life. "Blueprints for success as a missionary on the mission are not too different than the blueprints for success when you return home (2)," he assures. White encourages RMs to continue to practice the good habits they established over the last 18 months - 2 years by studying their scriptures, attending church meetings (including Institute classes), engaging in temple work as often as possible, keeping the law of chastity, serving others through callings, etc. Further, he insists that while it may seem selfish, this is the time for RMs to focus on what comes next in their lives. By pursuing an education, faithfully serving in their wards, and dating with the intent of marrying in the temple, they are, in fact, preparing themselves for "lifetime service in the kingdom of God" (15).
Using a quick, easy-to-read format, White proposes ten questions RMs should ask themselves. These include, "How Will I Adjust From Preach My Gospel to Live My Gospel?"; "How Will I Accomplish My Educational Pursuits?"; and "How Will I Endure to the End through the Grace of Jesus Christ?". In each section, White explores the different topics using scripture, quotes from General Authorities, and personal experiences. At the end of each chapter is a list of resources (talks, websites, books, etc.) for further study. Although 10 Questions to Answer After Serving a Mission remains short and to-the-point, it covers a lot of ground, always focusing on what is most important (hint: it's not video games). Written with a sensitive, upbeat tone, the book should help RMs feel both inspired and reassured. It's a thin book, which can be read quickly and easily; however, a slow savoring would be most beneficial. Frequent typos and other editing errors, which I find often in books from this publisher, distracted from the volume's message. Still, it's a useful, unintimidating resource that will help returning missionaries remain close to the Gospel while navigating the day-to-day practicalities of moving on with their post-mission goals.
(Readalikes: 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission by Benjamin Hyrum White)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for discussions of sex (although they are respectful and non-graphic)
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of 10 Questions to Answer After Serving a Mission from the generous Benjamin Hyrum White via the folks at Cedar Fort. Thank you!
Thursday, September 03, 2015
Temple Book an Enlightening, Easy-to-Understand Guide for Newbies and Old-bies Alike
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Although members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints consider what happens inside LDS temples sacred, not secret, there's still a whole lot of confusion surrounding temple worship—not just from non-members, but also from active, LDS temple-goers. In his new book, Understanding Your Endowment, Cory Jensen seeks to bring some enlightenment to the latter group. Although the volume is available to the general public, it's intended for—and will be most helpful to—endowed members of the church. Jensen's readers will, therefore, already be familiar with the general topics he discusses. Still, he hopes even the most seasoned temple worker will be able to find something new within its pages. He stresses repeatedly that the Spirit will teach readers what of the information presented is most truthful and valuable for them.
Without revealing the details of the various ceremonies, Jensen explores the ordinances and covenants associated with temple worship. He uses ancient scripture, religious history, and quotes from modern prophets to further the reader's understanding of temple symbolism, coming unto Christ, how to apply what you learn in these holy edifices to your daily life, etc.
At a mere 130 pages, the book is a quick read, but it still manages to offer a thorough, thought-provoking overview of a complex, multi-layered topic. Jensen's approach is both down-to-earth and respectful. You don't need to be a theologian or a scholar to understand the information he's presenting; likewise, you don't need to be a newbie to gain additional insights into temple worship from this well-researched guide. Personally, I learned all kinds of new things that I intend to ponder next time I attend the temple. Because Understanding Your Endowment is such an easy read, I can definitely see myself turning to it again to increase my understanding of and appreciation for my own temple blessings. If you're looking for an intriguing, easy-to-understand way to enhance your own experience, this is an excellent resource to add to your LDS library.
(Readalikes: The Holy Temple by Boyd K. Packer)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for discussions of sexual intimacy (although it is addressed in a respectful, non-graphic way)
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Understanding Your Endowment from the generous folks at Cedar Fort in exchange for my participation in its virtual book tour. Thank you!
Friday, March 06, 2015
This Star Won't Go Out: Surviving Thyroid Cancer is Almost Guaranteed—Except When It Isn't
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer back in 2009, I heard a lot of people say, "Well, if you have to have cancer, that's the best kind to have." This is true. With a survival rate of 97-100%, it's a whole lot more common to survive it than otherwise. There are, however, exceptions. Like Ester Earl, a 12-year-old girl from Massachusetts, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2006. Four years later, it killed her.
Famous because of her friendship with popular YA author John Green (although The Fault in Our Stars is not based on Ester's life, it is dedicated to her), Ester became known for her bubbly personality, her positive outlook on life, and her courage in the face of a devastating illness. She was a prolific writer, crafting many journal entries, as well as stories and letters, in her short life. These pieces, along with some of Ester's sketches, many photos, and essays from family and friends have been collected into a thick, inspiring book titled This Star Won't Go Out. Published last year, it quickly became a New York Times bestseller. My 13-year-old daughter begged me to get it for her for Christmas because it's one of her all-time favorite books.
Although This Star Won't Go Out has been touching people's hearts for awhile now, I only read it a few months ago. For a book about a kid with cancer, it's surprisingly upbeat. It's also heartfelt, affecting, and deserving of the hype it's received. Ester's writing emphasizes the fragility of life and the importance of holding on to faith, family, friends, and hope when trials come into your life. As someone whose world has been changed forever by thyroid cancer, I appreciated these words of wisdom that helped me remember never to take life for granted. It's an important message delivered by a talented writer who continues to share her experiences for the good of others (see tswgo.org).
(Readalikes: Hm, nothing comes to mind except The Fault in Our Stars by John Green)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), mild sexual innuendo, and intense subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
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