God is the Gospel: Meditations on God's Love as the Gift of Himself by John Piper

God is the Gospel: Meditation on God's Love as the Gift of Himself by John Piper-190 pages

I got much from this book that says God is the ultimate good of the gospel. Seeing and Savoring/delighting in God as the good of the gospel is essential, according to the author, John Piper.

An Unseen Angel by Alissa Parker

An Unseen Angel by Alissa Parker, 179 pages

So many books have been written about school shooters and the situations themselves, but not much is ever written about the victims and their families.  Alissa Parker's daughter, Emilie, was one of the children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary mass shooting.  The book is so beautifully written and so filled with details of what they as a family were going through that day.  And, what they went through immediately afterword.  I can't even imagine the pain Alissa and her husband and her two other daughters were feeling.  On her path to peace, she met with the shooter's father and found forgiveness.  This book was not only Alissa's story but one I am sure other victim's of mass shootings may find comfort in reading.  Unseen Angel is a gift to the reader on how to find peace and strength.  This book will make you cry.

Facing Your Giants

Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado 181pages

At times we feel overwhelmed by our problems, but this book helps you to keep them in perspective by comparing your life to the Bible character David.  He fell as often as he stood, stumbled as often as he conquered.  But he also knew what to focus on.  He was human just like us, and yet he proved that a life centered on God is always the best way to live. 

It was very inspirational and encouraging.  I would highly recommend it.

Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World

Martin Luther: The Man who Rediscovered God and Changed the World

by Eric Metaxas

496 pages

Martin Luther was celebrated as one of the most influential men in his time, since he forever changed Christianity in Europe.  He is known for posting the ninety-five thesis in 1517. However, this was only the beginning of his story. This publication dives into the life of the Great Reformer. It was thoroughly enjoyable. 

Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful by Katie Davis Majors

Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful by Katie Davis Majors-209 pages

I really enjoyed Katie's first book, Kisses from Katie, so I was looking forward to reading this. This one is just as good and did not disappoint. Katie chronicles the recent things God has taught her and done in her life since her last book was published. She has gotten married and added a biological son to the family. She has truly shown God's love to so many in Uganda through their suffering and, sometimes, through their healing. Her story is an inspiration and encouragement.

The Shack by William P. Young

The Shack by William P. Young, 252 pages

I listened to this book as a playaway, but I also read along in parts.  I had been planning on reading this book for years, and I finally got around to it.  With the movie coming out a few months ago, I thought this would be the perfect time to do it.  I did not want to know anything about this book before I started it and to that I held true.  I had no idea what this book was about before I began it.  I was surprised by the plot.  However, I did know the major plot revolved around a very young girl turning up missing in the woods while camping with her Dad and siblings.  What I did not know or expect was what happened next. This book is about the father Mackenzie and his faith and relationship with Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit.  It is also about his relationship with his own father and accepting the fate of his young daughter.

Kamisama Kiss, v. 1-3 by Juliette Suzuki

Kamisama Kiss, v. 1 by Juliette Suzuki - 200 pages
Kamisama Kiss, v. 2 by Julietta Suzuki - 200 pages
Kamisama Kiss, v. 3 by Julietta Suzuki - 200 pages

Nanami finds herself alone and homeless after her father runs away to escape the debt collectors and she's evicted from their apartment.  Luckily, she meets and helps a man in the park who "gives" her his home in thanks.  When she gets to the house, she discovers that he has turned her into deity of the local shrine of matchmaking.  Now she's dealing with a cranky familiar while fighting off yokai who are after her new powers.

I tried this series once before and didn't make it through the first volume.  However, we watching the anime at our last Teen Anime Club meeting and I thought I would give it another try.  I found that I really enjoyed it this time.  I think I just didn't give it enough time to get past the introductions to the characters and to get into the story before.  I think this would be a great series for those who liked the Fruits Basket series.

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis with Beth Clark

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis with Beth Clark-280 pages

My mom read this book and recommended it (and actually left her copy for me to read last time she visited). I wanted to read it for last month's memoirs and biographies challenge, but didn't get around to it, so I decided to read it this month. I really liked reading this book and didn't want to put it down. It has really changed my outlook on life and what it means to do missions work and to truly do what God has called us to do. Katie Davis leaves everything behind in the U.S. and moves to Uganda shortly after graduating high school. She ends up adopting several young Ugandan girls and sponsoring hundreds to go to school and get proper health care and such. She creates a non-profit organization called Amazima (which means truth in Luganda) Ministries to help sponsor even more kids to get an education and live "better" lives. Throughout her time in Uganda she her faith is tested and stretched and God blesses her immensely and touched many Ugandan lives through her. Overall, I could not put this book down and recommend it to anyone interested in missions work of any kind, here and/or abroad. It has really opened my eyes and changed my outlook on what living in "third world" countries is really like and what God has called us to do.

Spirits That Walk in Shadow by Nina Kiriki Hoffman

Spirits That Walk in Shadow by Nina Kiriki Hoffman - 306 pages

Jaimie's first real experience with the "outside" world is when her father drops her off at college.  It's her attempt to live in the non-magical world she grew up in.  Unfortunately, her roommate seems to have attracted the attention of a creature that is feeding off of her depression.  Now Jaimie must work with her cousins to help her roommate escape from the creature's clutches.

I love Nina Kiriki Hoffman's books.  They are so delightfully weird.  They never go in the direction you think they are going to.  This book is the teen sequel to a couple of adult novels she had previously written.  I have not read those books yet but look forward to doing so.

MSCHMITT--- God is My Shepherd I am His Lamb Dandi Mackall 36

MSCHMITT--- God is My Shepherd I am His Lamb Dandi Mackall 36

A religious tale of reassurance to a little one as they encounter everyday life and the ups and downs that come with it.

MSCHMITT--- God Knows All About me Kate Toms 26

MSCHMITT--- God Knows All About me Kate Toms 26

A child goes through all the ways that God knows her. From her head to her toes, from her knees to her nose….God Knows all about me. A short quick bedtime rhyming book.

Devil in Pew Number 7 by:Rebecca Nichols Alonzo

Devil in Pew Number 7  by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo  pg. 271

"When the Lord gets ready for me to leave this church, He won't send the message by the devil." 
Robert Nichols  1975

This is the true story of one family's devastating and violent persecution by a man obsessed with controlling the local church.  Rebecca's father, Robert Nichols, was called to serve as pastor at a small church in Sellerstown, North Carolina.  H J Watts was a wealthy member of the community who was in control of the church and many citizens of the farming community.  Mr. Watts was determined to rid himself of this popular preacher and his family.  Pastor Nichols chose to stand up to this man and all of his harsh harassment, even though his family was in danger.  One night this family's whole world was shattered when an armed man came into their home.  Rebecca Nichols Alonzo has written a true story of courage and forgiveness.  This book is a wonderful story about the power of  love and forgiveness.

There Is No Dog by Meg Rosoff

There Is No Dog by Meg Rosoff - 272 pages

What if god was a teenage boy?  What if he was lazy and didn't like to do any work?  What if he only got out of bed to chase after the latest pretty girl he has fallen in love with?  What if he tied the weather into his emotions causing catastrophic disasters with his romantic upheavals?  And what is he going to do to save the poor whales?
Meg Rosoff writes very interesting and unique books.  This one definitely lived up to that description.  It is both funny, irreverent, offensive and utterly readable all at the same time.  I couldn't put it down - reading it in one setting and staying up way too late to finish it.  While not a book for everybody, I would definitely keep it in mind for those who like unusual stories and characters.