Reviews by Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob)
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More Than a Bucket List
On 2/21 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: "More Than a Bucket List" (ISBN 9781400320790) by Jennifer Barrow is a collection of advises that grandparents give to their grandchildren -- like being positive (the one I always fail). Become a more positive person. It’s not a secret. You've been compared to Eeyore on more than one occasion. The ... “More Than a Bucket List” by Jennifer Barrow
Asylum
On 12/23 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Asylum, The Circeae Tales” (2012, ISBN 9781449762247) by Ashley Hodges Bazer is an interesting book. It’s futuristic science fiction — just my cup of (chamomile) tea. Without sounding too arrogantly and irrationally sexist, I was surprised that it was written by a woman (a total geek, no less). ... "Asylum, The Circeae Tales” by Ashley Hodges Bazer
Anger Workbook, The
On 10/31 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: I chose “The Anger Workbook: An Interactive Guide to Anger Management” (ISBN 9781401675431) by Les Carter and Frank Minirth because I’m usually consumed by anger — not merely what could be categorized as bipolar disorder, which I’ve diagnosed with. “Anger is an emotion that is common ... “The Anger Workbook: An Interactive Guide to Anger Management” by Les Carter and Frank Minirth
God's Book of Prayers
On 10/16 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: In “God’s Book of Prayers: Each and Every Prayer in the Bible” by M.A.R. (real name unknown, perhaps initials), there are “Words Spoken to Jesus, Considered Prayer” Matthew 8:2b, 8-9, 25b, 31; 9:18b, 27b; 11:3; 13:10, 36b, 51b; 14:28, 30b; 15:15, 22b, 23b, 25b; 16:16; 17:15-16, 19; 18:1, 21; 19:16, ... “God’s Book of Prayers: Each and Every Prayer in the Bible” by M.A.R.
Jesus
On 10/5 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Jesus: A Theography” (ISBN 9780849947025) by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola starts with words (ideas, actually) of one of my all-time heroes, Einstein. “According to Einstein’s physics, time doesn’t exist without mass and matter. Time, therefore, begins with creation.” The book’s sort ... “Jesus: A Theography” by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola
The Death by Money Report
On 9/25 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “The Death by Money Report” (ISBN 9781449752620) by Tracy Piercy, CFP, and Lisa Maxwell seems to be a get-rich-quickly gimmick mentioning their site deathbymoney.com and a paid service they provide. It’s a short book that can be summarized in two short sentences. 1. Separate $10 from your paycheck. 2. ... “The Death by Money Report” by Tracy Piercy & Lisa Maxwell
Who Is God, And What Has He Ever Done For Us?
On 9/24 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: Before I start, I must point out that the book was self-published via WestBow Press in 2011 (anywhere from $500 to several thousands) and probably took the author several months to get the money to promote the book (several thousands more). Writing a book’s cheap, but editing and then publishing costs ... “Who is God, And What Has He Done For Me Lately?” by David L Jemison
Red Letter Revolution
On 9/19 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Red Letter Revolution: What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said?” (ISBN 9781400204182) by Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo is a conversation about different aspects of Christianity like our faith, how outsiders see us, social issues from homosexuality to abortion the Middle East ... “Red Letter Revolution: What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said?” by Shane Claiborne & Tony Campolo
10 Christians Everyone Should Know
On 9/17 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “10 Christians everyone should know: lives of the faithful and what they mean to you” (ISBN 9781400203611, 2012) by John Perry (book editor) covers the Christian life and/or values of Saint Patrick (ca. 380-ca. 490) by Jonathan Roger, Galileo (1564-1642) by Mitch Stokes, Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) ... “10 Christians everyone should know: lives of the faithful and what they mean to you” by John Perry (book editor)
Tough Guys and Drama Queens
On 9/6 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: In “Tough Guys and Drama Queens” (ISBN 9780849947292), Mark Gregston gives a series of common-sense advises on how to care for and respect teenage sons and daughters. Some of the author’s comments aren’t anything out of the ordinary, but it’s a good idea to have them written on a book — a ... “Tough Guys and Drama Queens” by Mark Gregston
Beyond the Shades of Gray
On 7/31 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Beyond the Shades of Gray” (ISBN 9781449732028, 2012) by Dean Baily is a book about the author’s past struggles with homosexuality (same-sex attraction) and how he’s stopped these sexual desires. “I have recorded everything that I’ve discovered, through my own journey out of homosexual ... “Beyond the Shades of Gray” by Dean Baily
Fake Christianity
On 7/25 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Fake Christianity” (ISBN 9781449736910, 2012) by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary alumnus C.B. Matthews is a relatively short book. The author points out the biggest lies in Christianity — as per his opinion, of course. “Since God is a loving and merciful God, He is always happy with me, ... “Fake Christianity” by C.B. Matthews
Journeys across Niagara
On 7/12 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Journeys across Niagara” (ISBN 9781449732387) by D. K. LeVick is a story of a man and his friends in a classic American suburban family setting with a 1960′s vive similar to the Wonder Years. ‘Journeys across Niagara’ brings together a series of historical events, in a twist of mystery ... “Journeys across Niagara” by D. K. LeVick
Surfing for God
On 6/8 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: In “Surfing For God: Discovering The Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle” (ISBN 9780849947230), Michael John Cusick (author) says that pornography is empty, “Like all idols, porn promises us something we desire. In reality, it overpromises and underdelivers.” making us feel like men (strong) ... “Surfing For God: Discovering The Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle” by Michael John Cusick
Afraid to Believe in Free Will
On 6/4 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: In “Afraid to Believe in Free Will” (ISBN 9781449701840, 2010), Psychologist Carl E. Begley explains why psychology interferes with our need to experience free will. He mentions that, since will can’t be measure “any aspects of human behavior” including free will, he was told not to worry about ... “Afraid to Believe in Free Will” by Carl E. Begley
Apocalyptic Tremors
On 5/4 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: In “Apocalyptic Tremors, Study the Revelation Like Never Before” (2012, ISBN 9781449719609), the author — Carolyn Ruth Chapman M.A. — tells us that the Apocalypse is “a revelation of the justice and judgments of God, the need for justice calls Christ to be judge of all people” and “the ... “Apocalyptic Tremors, Study the Revelation Like Never Before” by Carolyn Ruth Chapman
The Truth About Forgiveness
On 4/27 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: In "The Truth About Forgiveness" (ISBN 9781400204151, 2012) John MacArthur emphasizes that the American society has adopted the disease model in order to escape the blame. Considering the latter, all deviant acts are mental disorders. "Disease-model therapy therefore feeds the very problem it is ... “The Truth About Forgiveness” by John MacArthur
The Truth About the Lordship of Christ
On 4/18 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “The Truth About the Lordship of Christ” (ISBN 9781400204168) by John MacArthur is the second of his “The Truth About” series. I guess first I should include a quote regarding what it means to be Christian. “Becoming a Christian means being sick of your sin, longing for forgiveness and ... “The Truth About the Lordship of Christ” by John MacArthur
The Truth About Grace
On 4/12 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “The Truth About Grace” (ISBN 9781400204120) by John MacArthur is one of three books of “The Truth About” series. The other two books cover “The Lordship of Christ” (ISBN 9781400204168) and “Forgiveness” (ISBN 9781400204151). In the first book, the author gives various definitions of ... “The Truth About Grace” by John MacArthur
The Tallest Watchtower
On 4/10 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “The Tallest Watchtower” (ISBN 9781449737221) by Omid Baghizadeh is a beautiful book. Well the term book might not be correct. It’s rather a handful of pages with two stories. The first one is Lucy, which is a story of parental love for their little girl. I must confess that I was teary-eyed reading ... “The Tallest Watchtower” by Omid Baghizadeh
The 13th Tribe
On 4/10 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “The 13th Tribe” (ISBN 9781595541697) by Robert Liparulo is a good story, but it’s a bit too slow for my liking. Maybe this is why it’s taken me almost month to finish reading it. The name of the book makes reference to the twelve tribes of Israel — the Israelites, the people of God. And ... “The 13th Tribe” by Robert Liparulo
Your 100 Day Prayer
On 3/13 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Your 100 Day Prayer, The Transforming Power Of Actively Waiting On God” (ISBN 9781400203406, 2012) by John I Snyder is an interesting devotional. It starts with the author’s best advise. “When all is said and done, the conclusion of every one of our prayers should be, ‘Even though I’ve ... “Your 100 Day Prayer, The Transforming Power Of Actively Waiting On God” by John I Snyder
Our Favorite Sins
On 3/2 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Our Favorite Sins: The Sins We Commit & How You Can Quit” (ISBN 9781595554444; 2012) by Todd D Hunter is simply another book that pushes the Bible as the means to fix one’s errors in life following the same formula. 1. You do THIS. 2. The Bible says THAT. 3. Replace THIS with THAT. Finally ... “Our Favorite Sins: The Sins We Commit & How You Can Quit” by Todd D Hunter
Called to Controversy
On 2/15 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Called to Controversy The Unlikely Story of Moishe Rosen and the Founding of Jews for Jesus” (ISBN 9781595554918, 2012) by Ruth Rosen (daughter). The book’s a collection of what Moishe Rosen did as to convince others that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. This included evangelization, being accepted ... “Called to Controversy The Unlikely Story of Moishe Rosen and the Founding of Jews for Jesus” by Ruth Rosen
The Coming Revolution
On 1/21 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “The Coming Revolution: Signs from America’s Past That Signal Our Nation’s Future” (2012, ISBN 9780849948299) by Dr Richard G Lee is another battle cry to fix the federal government, another call to get rid of the current bunch of politicians in Washington DC and start anew — a revolution against ... “The Coming Revolution: Signs from America’s Past That Signal Our Nation’s Future” by Dr Richard G Lee
The Soul Reader
On 1/12 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “The Soul Reader” by Gerard D Webster (2011, ISBN 9781449720513) is an interesting read. The main character (Ward) is a battered man — physically (recovering from an accident that was meant to kill him or, at least, break his character), emotionally (enduring the pain of having the woman he loved ... “The Soul Reader” by Gerard D Webster (book review)
Invasion (tpc)
On 12/29 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Invasion” (2010, ISBN 9781401685423) by Jon S Lewis is a fun science fiction book. The three main characters (Colt, Oz & Danielle) are teenagers maybe making this book more of a story for teenagers than for adults. In any case, I enjoyed it and couldn’t stop reading it. Although it’s not marketed ... “Invasion” by Jon S Lewis (book review with aliens, aliens and cool toys)
Jesus Calling Devotional Bible, NKJV
On 12/16 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Jesus Calling Devotional Bible” (2011, ISBN 9781418548629) by Sarah Young (General Editor) was not an easy read for me. I still don’t get the whole concept of a devotional. The book is the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible interweaved with devotionals written by Sarah Young. I’m not ... “Jesus Calling Devotional Bible” by Sarah Young
The Voice New Testament: Revised & Updated
On 12/14 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: Without a doubt, I’m curious. When I was given the chance to review a Bible translation, I jumped into the challenge. “The Voice New Testament: Revised & Updated” by Ecclesia Bible Society (2011, ISBN 9781418550769) is a different sort of Bible. Most importantly, although it’s marketed as a ... “The Voice New Testament: Revised & Updated” by Ecclesia Bible Society
Simply God
On 12/6 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Simply God, God’s Messages of Love and Encouragement” by Rick Richards is the author’s story of becoming an adult Christian. It sort of reminds me how I felt about hell as a child. Hell exists so therefore God exists. It’s a no-brainer. Maybe my favorite quote is the following. “When ... “Simply God, God’s Messages of Love and Encouragement” by Rick Richards
Proverbs Reconstructed
On 12/1 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Proverbs Reconstructed” by Gus Dallas (2011, ISBN 9781449718749) is a good reference to the Proverbs. “The book of Proverbs is a collection of moral and philosophical sayings of a wide range of subjects presented in a poetic from, which was composed from the tenth to the fourth century BC ... “Proverbs Reconstructed” by Gus Dallas
Why Men Hate Going to Church
On 11/30 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: I just read the second edition of “Why Men Hate Going to Church” by David Murrow (2011, ISBN 9780785232155). When I saw the name of the book, I though this guy (the author) was clueless since the church I go to doesn’t seem to have this problem. As a matter of fact, this church seems to have a ... “Why Men Hate Going to Church” by David Murrow
December 1941
On 11/23 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “December 1941, 31 Days that Changed America and Saved the World” by Craig Shirley (2011, ISBN 9781595554574) is a day-to-day recount of some of the events that happened before the US entered WWII, how the country was as it’d survived the Great Depression, its prices and wages/salaries, its entertainment ... “December 1941, 31 Days that Changed America and Saved the World” by Craig Shirley
The God Whom Moses Knew
On 11/14 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “The God Whom Moses Knew” (2011, ISBN 9781449702205) by J. Roger Nelson, M.D. is fiction trying to make sense of the unknown life of Moses. When I first got the book, I didn’t quite understand why it was categorized as a work of fiction till I started reading it. Considering the Bible as a historical ... “The God Whom Moses Knew” by J Roger Nelson (book review)
Heaven is for Real for Kids
On 11/8 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Heaven is for Real for Kids: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” (ISBN 9781400318704) by By Todd and Sonja Burpo tells the story of their child — Colton — who visited Heaven. It’s good book for children who might wonder about death and life after death itself. ... “Heaven is for Real for Kids” by By Todd & Sonja Burpo (book review)
Heroes and Villains of the Bible
On 10/18 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Heroes and Villains of the Bible” (2011, ISBN 9781400316854) by Thomas Nelson didn’t quite appeal to me as a 40-year-old. I wanted to check it out for my three-year-old and see if I could use it to teach my son some stories of the Bible. At first, I thought it’d be as Greatest Heroes of the ... “Heroes and Villains of the Bible” by Thomas Nelson
Be the People
On 10/10 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Be the People” (2011, ISBN 9780849948282) by Carol Swain is a collection of news stories (for a lack of a better term) that didn’t quite make the mainstream news in the US regarding the little-known disturbing horrors of the current administration. First let me start with a quote that the author ... “Be the People” by Carol Swain
It Is Dangerous to Be Right When the Government Is Wrong
On 10/7 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: In his book “It Is Dangerous to Be Right When the Government is Wrong” (2011, ISBN 9781595553508), Judge Andrew Napolitano (senior judicial analyst for the Fox News Channel) gives his raw and uncensored opinion of what he sees in the White House, believes and often reflects the American populace ... “It Is Dangerous to Be Right When the Government is Wrong” by Judge Andrew Napolitano (book review & government critisism)
The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook
On 9/21 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: I’ve never been so excited to read a book before. When I read the title “The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook” (2011, ISBN 9781595554383) by Jeff Kinley, I was hooked. Maybe it’s the whole idea of zombies that gave me a rush. In any case, I loved this science fiction story and religious criticism ... “The Christian Zombie Killer’s Handbook: Slaying the Living Dead Within” by Jeff Kinley (cool book review)
The Quotable Rogue
On 9/14 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “The Quotable Rogue” (2011, ISBN 9781595553560) compiled and edited (not written) by Matt Lewis is a collection of quotes from Sarah Palin on various subjects ranging from Americana to patriotism to the current administration and anything in between. This book isn’t for everyone. It’s tailored ... “The Quotable Rogue” by Matt Lewis (political book review)
More Lost Than Found
On 9/13 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “More Lost Than Found Finding a Way Back to Faith” (ISBN 9781400203031, 2011) by Jared Herd talks about how people stray from faith and the misconceptions we sometimes have about faith. At first, I felt connected to what the author talks about in his book. I was glad that someone else felt how I’ve ... “More Lost Than Found Finding a Way Back to Faith” by Jared Herd
Has God Spoken?
On 9/7 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: In “Has God Spoken? Proof of the Bible’s Divine Inspiration” (ISBN 9780849919701, 2011), Hank Hanegraaff points out that many scholars like Bart Ehrman and L. Michael White push the belief that the Bible is merely “cleverly invented stories” full of contradictions. Hanegraaff explains that ... “Has God Spoken? Proof of the Bible’s Divine Inspiration” by Hank Hanegraaff (book review)
Peace Be with You
On 8/17 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: In “Peace Be With You” (ISBN 9780849947186, 2011) author David Carlson gives his opinion on how 9/11 has corrupted our view on Islam. I agree with most of his opinion. “There had been a religious response to 9/11 from the Christian community, but that response reduced rather than strengthened ... “Peace Be With You” by David Carlson (book review)
Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love
On 8/11 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Smack-Dab in the Middle of God’s Love” by Brennan Manning and John Blase and illustrated by Nicole Tadgell (ISBN 9781400317134, 2011) is a little children’s book about a smack-dab in the middle couple played a big role in life of the neighborhood children. The story’s mainly centered in the ... “Smack-Dab in the Middle of God’s Love” by Brennan Manning and John Blase and illustrated by Nicole Tadgell (book review)
It Couldn't Just Happen
On 8/11 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “It Couldn’t Just Happen: Knowing the Truth about God’s Awesome Creation” (ISBN 9781400317141, 1987, 1989, 2011) by Lawrence O. Richards is an interesting book to catalog. It’s part science and part theology for children and adults as well. I felt like I was studying science (the planets and ... “It Couldn’t Just Happen: Knowing the Truth about God’s Awesome Creation” by Lawrence O. Richards
Don't Check Your Brains at the Door
On 8/9 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door” (ISBN 9781400317202, 1992, 2011) by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler serves as a quick guide of what is and what isn’t Christianity. It even includes a Brain Food section at the end of each of the 42 lessons, which serves as a form of self-test. As I mentioned ... “Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door” by Josh McDowell & Bob Hostetler (book review)
Rumors of God
On 8/4 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: “Rumors of God” (ISBN 9781595553799, 2011) by Jon Tyson (senior pastor at Trinity Grace Church in NYC) and Darren Whitehead (teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL) — two friends from Australia who moved to the US — is a collection of true rumors (stories) of ... “Rumors of God” by Jon Tyson & Darren Whitehead (book review)
Praemortis
On 7/5 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: If you like science fiction, this is book’s great regardless whether you believe in the afterlife or not (religion, Christianity being the author’s faith). In this book, all men and women at the age of twenty-one are submitted to a process that practically “kills” them in order for their souls ... ‘Praemortis’ by Miguel Angel Moreno (book review)
The Book that Made Your World
On 5/19 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: Needless to say (type), material written by believers of a certain faith (insiders; in my case, Christians) worshiping and praying to a Godhead of choice (God) can be interesting enough to consider buying and owning. Fortunately enough, The Book That Made Your World (ISBN 9781595553225, 2011) by Vishal ... ‘The Book That Made Your World’ by Vishal Mangalwadi (book review)
Max On Life
On 5/9 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: Max on Life (ISBN 9780849948121, 2011) is basically a collection of questions the author has been asked and answers he’s given back. I found his responses as watered down theology. As much as I wanted to like this book, I couldn’t. Maybe I had too high an expectation as Max Lucado is a highly regarded ... ‘Max on Life’ by Max Lucado
No He Can't
On 5/2 Frank Olvera (aka The Christian Noob) wrote: As much as I try to keep my political views out of this blog, I read No He Can’t (ISBN 159555338X, 2011) by Kevin McCullough. This book is the commonly shared opinion by many voters in the US — not merely the author’s — about the Obama administration and gives the reader a long list of facts ... No He Can’t by Kevin McCullough