Reviews by Susan K. Stewart
Read Susan K. Stewart's Blog Follow Susan K. Stewart on Twitter
Beyond Opinion
On 3/10 Susan K. Stewart wrote: Christians are told to “always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15). I think too often we come to think that it requires seminary study to have the knowledge for that defense. Some apologist drill deep into the original ... Beyond Opinion - Living The Faith We Believe
Permission to Speak Freely
On 9/15 Susan K. Stewart wrote: “What is one thing you feel you can’t say in the church?” author Anne Jackson asked on her blog. Hundreds of people had something to say. That simple question became the foundation for the book Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace. Subtitled Essays and Art ... Permission to Speak Freely
The Butterfly Effect
On 9/15 Susan K. Stewart wrote: I was reluctant to accept for another Andy Andrews book for review because I’ve not found his previous work compelling. The title, The Butterfly Effect (How Your Life Matters), intrigued me. The butterfly effect theory simply stated says a butterfly can flap its wings and the resulting motion of ... The Butterfly Effect
A Century Turns
On 5/4 Susan K. Stewart wrote: Classified as a history book, A Century Turns by William J. Bennett is not a complete chronicle of United States history during the last two decades of the twentieth century. Instead it is an explanation of both Presidents Bush terms of office, and chronicle of all that was wrong with President Clinton's ... A Century Turns: New Hops, New Fears
The White Horse King
On 1/29 Susan K. Stewart wrote: I gravitate to historical books, fiction or fact. The White Horse King: The Life of Alfred the Great was a natural for me. Benjamin Merkle provides a compete history of not just the man, but also the culture and society of Britain during the 800s. I learned about Alfred’s family, the conditions of ... The White Horse King: The Life of Alfred the Great
Green
On 11/17 Susan K. Stewart wrote: Green by Ted Dekker is subtitled “The Circle – Book Zero – The Beginning and The End.” The book’s description say the reader can begin reading The Circle series with Green, or read it as the end of the series. Maybe it works to end the series, but it doesn’t work as the beginning book. The ... Green: The Circle-Book Zero
Fearless
On 9/29 Susan K. Stewart wrote: I’ve heard there are 365 verses about fear in the Bible, one for each day of the year. Max Lucado only tackles twelve fears in his new book, Fearless, Imagine Your Life Without Fear. Lucado is known for his easy reading, but poetic style of writing. He doesn’t write poetry, although a poem is inserted ... Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear
The Expanded Bible
On 9/29 Susan K. Stewart wrote: My number one complaint about The [expanded] Bible from Thomas Nelson, it’s only the New Testament. I’ve long used The Amplified Bible as part of my in-depth study of the Scripture. The [expanded] Bible adds to what the Amplified has done so well – add clear definition to words and phrases in ... The [expanded] Bible: New Testament
Jesus Calling
On 7/29 Susan K. Stewart wrote: I believe it is possible to have a personal, one-to-one relationship with God. Yes, the God Creator of the universe. A relationship that is personal has intimate conversations. Sarah Young shares her conversations with God in Jesus Calling, Enjoying Peace in His Presence. Inspired by the anonymous ... Jesus Calling
Face of Betrayal
On 5/19 Susan K. Stewart wrote: If you have a long plane flight or train ride, Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl, is the book to take with you. Don’t get it for bedtime reading though; you won’t get any sleep. Similar to a news story from several years ago, three friends work together to solve the murder of a young Senate page. The ... Face of Betrayal
The Noticer
On 4/28 Susan K. Stewart wrote: I struggle with the right words to describe The Noticer by Andy Andrews from Thomas Nelson. Is it the beginning of a movement, or a good marketing plan? Is it a feel-good book, or a short story stretched to fill about 150 pages? Is it autobiographical, or just written to sound like it? I'm afraid the ... The Noticer
Collapse of Distinction
On 4/13 Susan K. Stewart wrote: Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain , even sitting on the bookstore shelf, is the message. The cover stands out as distinct. It is a durable textbook-style cover that indicates the writer and publisher intend for you to use the book rather than just read, a clear distinction over many other business ... Collapse of Distinction
This Is Your Brain On Joy
On 3/11 Susan K. Stewart wrote: Finally. That was my first response to Dr. Earl Henslin’s book This is Your Brain on Joy. Finally, a psychologist who recognizes the spiritually of a person. Finally, a Christian who understands the physical aspects of mental illness. Dr. Henslin explains how the brain works and how each area of the ... This is Your Brain on Joy
For The Tough Times
On 1/26 Susan K. Stewart wrote: Adapted from several of Max Lucado’s other books, this pocketsize book is easy reading, but offers no easy answers. Unlike many books offered about tragedy and loss, this one doesn’t offer touchy, feely easy answers. Lucado, pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, assures the reader that all ... For These Tough Times: Reaching toward heaven for hope & healing
House of Dark Shadows
On 12/23 Susan K. Stewart wrote: When I read the prologue to House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo, I thought the book was going to be an edge-of-your-seat suspense. I was disappointed; House is less suspense and more a journal of the King family, around whom the story revolves. Rather than an adult book, this should be considered ... Where's the Suspense?
The Chronological Study Bible
On 12/2 Susan K. Stewart wrote: Many resources are available to read the Bible in chronological order. And, although it is interesting to read David's psalms along with his life story, it sheds little light on God's work in history. The Chronological Study Bible from Thomas Nelson illuminates God's story by placing the inspired Scripture ... God's Story - HIStory
Through the Storm
On 10/20 Susan K. Stewart wrote: For readers looking for a sensational tell-all, Lynne Spears’ Through the Storm, will be disappointing. I, too, was disappointed, but for different reason Through the Storm, subtitled A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World is less than it promises. It is less about family and more about ... Book Review - Through the Storm
The Faith of Barack Obama
On 8/24 Susan K. Stewart wrote: The Faith of Barack Obama is going to let down many readers. Those who are looking for a pro-Obama reading will not find what they anticipated. The people who are expecting to read the certainty about Obama’s religious affiliations won’t get what they want. Readers who want the truth will not be ... The Faith of Barack Obama