THE AMERICAN PATRIOT'S ALMANAC

The American Patriot’s Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb is more than just a book. It is an education in history, patriotism, pride and above all “marketing”. I used the word marketing because one look at its exquisite hard cover, navy blue spine and majestic eagle spread on its front cover is enough to make you want to have it in your collection! Such was my feeling the moment I received it and even before I had read a single page. However while the beauty of most superbly jacketed volumes are only skin deep, The American Patriot’s Almanac delivers till the last page.

Essentially meant for daily reading, it contains 365 brief, interesting selections--one for reading each day of the year. The passages are short enough to share with older elementary aged kids through adults. On the bottom of each page is a quick glance at some other moments of America’s history, such as December 28 1945 when “Congress formally recognizes the Pledge of Allegiance as the national pledge”. There are poems by American poets, the lyrics to traditional, patriotic songs, and even America's top movies and quotes by Americans! And a recurring theme throughout is the Christian heritage our forefathers established for us...something today's Americans often forget! An excellent gift for the festive season.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

THE LEAST AMONG YOU

‘The Least Among You’ by Lionsgate and Birchwood Pictures featuring Cedric Sanders (Richard Kelly), William Devane (Alan Beckett), Louis Gossett, Jr. (Samuel Benton), Lauren Holly (Kate Allison) is about a young man who goes to seminary in order to escape the life of the ghetto. What he doesn't know is that he's the first black student at the seminary. He faces prejudice from classmates and teachers alike and struggles to get through the first semester. Along the way, he is changed and the people around him as well go through various transformations.

The film also portrays the variety of prejudices that exist in our society. In the end though justice is served I feel that the film could have been a little more interesting (It ended up being stereotyped and clichéd) had the plot taken a bolder approach towards the issues of racial discrimination, petty politics etc. Overall all it is a family movie and one that people of all ages can enjoy.

Disclosure: I received this DVD free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

OUTLIVE YOUR LIFE

I just finished reading "Outlive Your Life" by Max Lucado. For the record, I have heard a lot about Max, an educator, philanthropist, minister, accomplished writer…the list goes on. However this is the first book of his that I read. In his said book through Acts and real-world examples, backed by Scripture and prayer, Max reminded me that it is possible for anyone to be used by God to bring about justice, answer needs, healing, and love. The message is not new - it's about helping others and what we go through to make decisions on when and how we act (and react), but the presentation of it really moved me and made me think.

I feel it is essential for those introspecting on their lives and actions.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

THE SKIN MAP

The Skin Map by Stephen Lawhead is my first review of a work of fiction from Thomas Nelson. Contrary to my expectations I found the book quite entertaining. It revolves round Kit Livingstone and his adventures in search for a map tattooed to the skin – hence the title skin map. This is no ordinary map as it reveals a portal between worlds. The supernatural element in the plot has been superbly woven and once you can understand the concept of the plot, the storyline falls in place.

One of the major drawbacks of this genre of fiction is that usually they tend to become boring but Steven Lawhead seems to have done his research well and hence his work is quite interesting. The book is advised to be read at one go or else you might lose track of the plot. Over and above it is a nice work and once you get the hang of the plot it becomes quite unputdownable.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

100 Prayers God Loves To Hear, 100 Praise Songs

My four year old nephew has just started school and there can be no better moment and opportunity to start learning God’s words than through “100 Prayers God Loves To Hear, 100 Praise Songs”, created by Stephen Elkins and illustrated by Tim O’ Conner. This book created for and targeted towards children comes as an innovative and prudent initiative. Most parents grapple with the exercise of initiating the young ones to faith and God’s word but now with this title along with the 2 Cds that accompany it, the task becomes much simpler.

Each page has a lovely little prayer in a colored box in the center with a colored and relating picture on the opposite page and a quote at the bottom. This beautiful scheme is bound to catch the attention and fancy of children. The Cds contain songs sung by children and are quite refreshing to the ears. Kids will love it. Overall I think this is a lovely collection that every child would love to have in his library and every parent would be proud to gift.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)