Afloat by Erin Healy

Erin Healy is full of interesting stories. Floating homes? Messed up relationships with twists and secrets? Sign me up please.

Vance Nolan is the architect of said floats. Things are going swimmingly until the floats fail and people die. Add in some supernatural elements and you have a story that will create some questions that should be pondered.

The big plot revolves around how deeply flawed humans are and what happens when they are left to the bare bones. Will the characters reach to higher levels of civility, surrender to the unseen supernatural, or dwindle to the worst aspects of their carnal thoughts?

The characters are the best part of this book. While the story and pacing are on par, the characters are so well written that it's a world I'd like to return to in a sequel (if at all possible)

There is the heavy aspect of God and our relationship with him. This adds to a full flavor on goodness from Healy.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Star Wars: Crucible by Troy Denning

I find it difficult to engage in Star Wars books that do not revolve around the films and/or the conflict with The Empire. I know this speaks volumes about my lack of "whatever" but this is the case.

Crucible tells the story many, many years after Return of the Jedi. Han, Luke, Leia are all super old and yet they are the only ones who can help their old friend Lando with his latest mining operation. Lando is under pirate attacks and betrayal is just around the bend. Who else but the people he betrayed could come to his aid to solve the problem!

Seeing as I haven't kept up with all Star Wars books, I was completely lost as far as who so-and-so was and why these certain characters were the villains.

Denning includes plenty of action, explosions. It's a well-written story. I simply couldn't stay connected. This is my fault. The book is probably exciting for those fans who have read every book written in the Star Wars expanded universe.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by LucasBooks

Sticking Points by Haydn Shaw

With the economy the way it has been and people living longer, we have four generations that could be working together. How in the world can we get them, with their own ideas of work-habits, to work effectively?

Haydn Shaw believes he has the answer. He has compiled a list of twelve aspects of work where these generational differences can unravel a job. Then he provides ideas on getting the success a job needs.

The first three chapters set the stage as it discusses the difficulties of leading the four generations together and providing five steps a boss can utilize to help. Then part one jumps in with defining the four generations:

the traditionalists keep calm and carry on
the baby boomers do their own thing
generation x-ers get real
the millennials believe in group solutions

Part two breaks down the twelve work aspects:
communication
decision making
dress code
feedback
fun at work
knowledge transfer
loyalty
meetings
policies
respect
training
work ethic
sticking together

Shaw explains how each generation views each of the twelve work aspects. This information is enlightening for those of us in leadership positions but it may also be beneficial for families who have grandparents and greatgrandparents along with children and younger. The explanation of how each generation approaches work within this framework is fascinating.

Shaw helps us understand where others are coming from and what we can do to maximize the best from each worker. You'd be surprised to learn some of the "inherited" sticking points.

Managers, CEOs, families, any leader should pick up this book for the incredibly helpful information.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale Publishing.

On God's Side by Jim Wallis

There are many things that Jim Wallis writes with which I agree.

There are many things that Jim Wallis writes with which I disagree.

The wonderful thing about reading a Jim Wallis book is the grace in which he writes. He does not bash you over the head for disagreeing with him. He doesn't resort to the name-calling ridiculousness from many political pundits.

Make no mistake, Jim Wallis is a left-of-center thinker. He has made many enemies since Glenn Beck declared war on him. In On God's Side, Wallis attempts to toe the center line. But even more than political lines, he tries to explain what God would do with our country's current situations.

I enjoyed reading his open letter to President Obama in which he criticizes him for being seduced by the special interest groups. I enjoyed reading his letter to other elected officials as well.

Part of the problem Wallis has with the more conservative readers is that he uses "hot button" words that liberals use all the time. Words that typically would have served the purpose but, because of their political baggage, have been usurped.

He wrote this book while on sabbatical and it's practically a response to the recent presidential campaign. I agree with his thoughts on how our presidential campaign (and most other national campaigns) has become all about saying whatever will get either candidate the most money. It has turned into the poster ad for human ugly. (perhaps it's always been that way) I can never agree more with the call for civility from our elected officials - Presidents, Senators and Congressmen and women.

However, there were other aspects where I disagree with his political leanings. It's always terrifying when someone tries to lay claim to Jesus and their political beliefs. Wallis does a fairly admirable job and avoiding this but, as I said, he uses "flash" words that will turn most conservatives off instantly.

Read this book for an example of civility when discussing religion and politics. Discuss it with friends and see how, more often than not, the civility will die a quick death.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Brazos Press.

This Beautiful Mess by Rick McKinley

As a re-release, this book ties in with the new artistic way of talking about faith.

Rick McKinley is the founding pastor of Imago Dei - the church Donald Miller made famous. McKinley lays out his cards on explaining the Kingdom of God and how to put the kingdom into practice.

This book reads like a Miller book as well as works by other postmodern Christians. It's divided into three parts; part one is discovering the kingdom which talks about how Jesus referred to the kingdom and altering how we, as Americans, understand his words.

Part two is re-visioning life in the kingdom. I enjoyed the chapter talking about simply "being" in the kingdom of God and not trying to advance it. McKinley explains that Jesus has already accomplished the kingdom, we are simply to accept it and live in it. There is a fabulous illustration of God creating a symphony that includes all the "wrong notes/themes" in our sinful world. McKinley uses this illustration (taken from Tolkien) when talking about why there are bad things in the world.

Part three is practicing the presence of the kingdom. McKinley uses this space to share personal stories of how his church is living in the kingdom of God and practically sharing it in the Oregon world around them.

This is a refreshing read. I enjoy reading the postmodern ideas and the new ways up-and-comers explain Jesus and his teachings.

Click here to read chapter 1.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing.

Sovereign by Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee

The Books of Mortals trilogy didn't get me as enthused as I have been with Dekker's stuff.

The beginning of Forbidden had me excited but when I realized it was a re-telling of The Circle Series, I half tuned out.

Having said that, Sovereign is a terrific read. Dekker and Lee make a fine team. Dekker's plots with Lee's prose created an engaging story...for those who may not have read Black, Red, White, and Green.

As the marketing has identified, this series is a retelling of the Christian Church. Those who have read The Circle Series will see the obvious connections with The Gatherings and the splintering of loyal factions.

The villains have the Dekker flavor. There are some twists in Sovereign that I quite enjoyed and a character flaw that was exposed by other readers is adequately explained.

The biggest contribution this book makes is near the end. Once Rom and Jordin have gone off on their separate quests, you want to focus in on Jordin. She asks the important question: if she has taken the blood, why is she still miserable.

This is the question for all Christians today. We're supposed to be free; why do most of us walk around like sour grapes?

Once Jordin has the answer to her question, the seeming power she has over the villains is a little "too easy" for me.

While this wasn't my favorite book (or series) from Ted, I would certainly read another adventure from the hands of Dekker & Lee.

Victim of Grace by Robin Jones Gunn

This book reads sort of like an autobiography with Biblical stories throughout it. Each chapter contains a story about a difficult time in Gunn’s life and a story from the Bible where a woman has gone through difficulties as well. 

Gunn then brings out how God and his grace worked into each story to help and uplift each of the characters.

Robin Jones Gunn did a very good job at bringing out aspects of grace in popular Bible stories that I had never thought about. It was amazing to see how each one of these ladies was covered by His Grace. 

Gunn also has a way of writing and telling her like a friend sharing something personal to another friend.

Although Gunn’s personal story is very interesting and I did enjoy reading it, I was expecting more grace stories from other women that Gunn had interviewed or meet over the years. There is none of that, just her life and her observations of those women in the Bible.

This book is written for women, though men might enjoy it as well. It is interesting, touching, and thought provoking.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Zondervan Publishing

I've Got Your Back by James Galvin

James Galvin decided to teach us about leadership by way of a story.

He chose this option after his first draft wasn't working out for him. This book is terrific - eleven chapters about four 20-somethings who try Biblical leadership and fail! Sound intriguing?

Galvin uses his skills in strategy and consulting to weave an engaging story about what it means to lead but also to follow.

Each character hates their bosses and try to apply the lessons learned from their mentor.

This kind of book would be a good gift. It's not too in-your-face with it's storytelling but it's also very easy to comprehend and enjoy. Andy Stanley tried something similar with his book on ministry leadership.

This is the kind of book postmoderns crave: it takes principles from Scripture and forms a great story around them so it doesn't feel like you're being spoon-fed.

Near the end is the "so what" parts. First is Galvin's theology behind his approach to leadership (he would say it's Jesus' approach as well) and second is a discussion guide for when you read this with your group.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by TenthPower Publishing.

Chivalry by Zach Hunter

Chivalry is not just for boys anymore.

Zach Hunter has written a book defining how everyone can learn chivalry - a way to live justly.

There are ten chapters that define what it means to be chivalrous:

I will be not be alone
I will never attack from behind
I will practice self control
I will respect life
I will fight for those who are unable to fight for themselves
I will honor truth
I will not fear evil
I will follow the law unless it is not moral
I will live and die with honor
I will never abandon my quest.

As you can see this would be perfect for those just beginning adulthood. (maybe even some adults need this kind of reading as well.) Look around your neighborhood, watch the news and you see a lack of civility, a lack of kindness in our world. We need a resurgence of chivalry.

These ten chapters revolve around what King Arthur and his knights would claim. Picture a medieval honor code mixed with Jesus and you'll understand this book.

If you're looking for a discussion guide, it's not included with the book but you can find it online.

You'll read personal life stories, commentary on Scripture, and practical advice.

Not a bad book for that special someone in need of civility.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale Publishing.