Rachel's book reviews

Meet Mr. Smith by Eric & Leslie Ludy

2011-06-23T10:09:00.000+08:00

I bought this book by accident at Tecman just last Saturday. I was purchasing "His Needs, Her Needs" for a friend in Hong Kong and as I was paying at the cashier, I was informed that there was a "Buy one get one free" promotion for Category D items. Meaning, the Dating Books Category.

After browsing through a few books, I decided on this because of the way it is written.

I read "God writes your love story" by the same authors and was deeply impacted by it.

And they do not disappoint. This book presents Sex in a different light. The book opens with Imposter Sex being confronted by Eric Ludy threatening to expose him. And then, he subsequently meets characters that would lead him to Great Sex.

I love how it is written in a conversational tone, using clever allegories not unlike, A Pilgrim's Progress.

Well, for nothing else, if you'd like to discover God's plan for Great Sex, and if you've not been finding fulfillment in other means and methods you've tried so far, I'll guarantee you that this would be one great discovery.

A discovery of a lifetime!

Exuberance - The Passion for Life - Kay Redfield Jamison

2011-05-29T20:55:00.001+08:00

I was walking through Page One at VivoCity last Sunday when I stopped at the Psychology shelves and picked up this book. The title caught my attention from the other, more morbidly titled books in that section.

I flipped through the book to get a feel of the read. The Champagne of Moods in Chapter 5 was what I glanced through. It was pretty captivating, a description of the state of mania where it's feels like the a certain golden bubbly liquid.

It was one of the longest chapter, and I finished the book in a week, neglecting my black swan that I bought earlier on. Reading that chapter made me kind of exuberant as well. I could relate, just like the author said she could.

All in all, it was a pretty good read for someone who'd like to find out more about exuberance. I believe it should be the only way to live life - with passion and this book captures the spirit of it very well.

Please forgive this entry, it's been eons since I last wrote and I'm rusty...

Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen

2010-08-23T23:12:00.000+08:00

This is such a great book. Reminds me why I love Jane Austen so much. Bought it at a sale at NUS earlier this year and it proved to be a great read.

Slightly shorter than Pride and Prejudice, the story's about a girl, Catherine and her many adventures in 18th century England. Awesome read. And now I realise I write like Jane Austen - in a style that my English teachers abhorred - that is, long, rambling sentences.

So anyway, if you like Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Pride and Prejudice, this will be a book to chill to. I love all the detail too!

I adore the style of writing too. Very conversational and all. Can feel Austen's voice and personality coming through strong and clear.

And I know, just like Pride and Prejudice, it's gonna be like good wine, growing better with age. I kinda sped through it, wanting to know the ending asap. Yet none of the poetic language and imagery are lost. So I'm sure it'll be even better the second time around.

Enjoy!

Marley and Me - Josh Grogan

2010-02-25T13:18:00.003+08:00

Got this book from a small bookstore at Coronation Plaza last year when the film came out. Was an impulse buy cos I knew the owner and I thought since the movie was such a hit, the book shouldn't be too bad either.

Got through only chapter 1 last year, and finished it in one sleepless night a couple weeks ago. Not too bad. But I think dog lovers would like it more than me. Heartwarming though.

Too Busy Not to Pray - Bill Hybels

2010-02-25T13:13:00.004+08:00

Bought this book at Attributes just before the week of morning prayer meetings at City Harvest Church. Did so cos I felt a little dried up in my prayer life.

Pastor Bill Hybels never fails to deliver. Love his conversational style and reading was a breeze. It was highly applicable too, immediately used ACTS - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication to jumpstart my prayers. So that they can be balanced.

Love his humour too. Dispersed throughout the book, it'll bring a grin to the most depressed person.

Grab a copy today. The 20th anniversary one :) Tells you it's one evergreen book.
My tip is to read and pray as you feel led instead of finishing the whole book at one sitting like I did. Chapters, like meals, are always easier digested in bite sized portions and exercised.

The Unchurched Next Door - Thom S. Rainer

2009-04-26T01:59:00.002+08:00

When Pastor Kong and Pastor Paul Scanlon, two of the wisest people around, read, referenced to and recommended this book in their sermons, you know it's a good book. So I picked this book up at the Jurong West outlet of Attributes bookstore, the last copy on the shelf when I saw it.

And what an awesome read it was. Rainer, a dean at a seminary, did a research project on 300 North Americans over a span of 3 years and this book was the result.

In the book, with the help of his research assistants, he classified the unchurched into 5 categories, ranging from U1, U2, U3, U4 to U5, with decreasing levels of receptivity to the gospel. It helps Christians better understand that there are different groups of unchurched people out there and not group them under one single homogenous group.

In this way, Christians can better tailor their evangelical efforts to the different levels of receptivity. They'll meet with a greater success in their efforts once they know what their purpose is to. Whether it is to up a person's level form U5 to U4, or to simply lead a seeking U1 to Jesus by inviting him/her to church.

Even though it was a huge research project, Rainer avoids overloading us with figures and statistics. Instead, he presents his results in a clear and relevant manner, and the 10 chapters was a breeze to read. I personally was very inspired, convicted and transformed as I read this book. Really taught me a lot. This is one anointed author. And for the mathematically inclined, he included the comprehensive 7 page statistical report under the appendix.

Personal testimonies from interviews conducted with the unchurched made everything more personal and I believe the reader will be able to identify with the examples given to their friends they're reaching out to. Very encouraging too.

Grab a copy today and let your mindsets be transformed!

It's Not About the Coffee - Howard Behar

2009-04-03T20:23:00.003+08:00

It's not about the coffee? How can Starbucks not be about the coffee? It's about the coffee and more :) But it was this intriguing title that caught my eye at Kinokuniya. I was looking out for a book to explain the success of Starbucks Coffee and was initially looking to buy another book with a cooler cover that had a like a takeaway Starbucks cup kinda design.

But upon examining the two books, I realised that Howard Behar is one of the three who created Starbucks to what it is today. "Better to hear from an insider than a person standing from the outside looking in," I thought. So I bought this book at a $10 discount with a $10 gift card given to me by Robin. Yay.

And as I read, I realised I love the way its written. The structure. And the book. It's the kind of style I'd use if I write a book. But mine would have more pictures. But no matter, more about the book.

Howard Behar joined Starbucks in 1989 and served as president of Starbucks International, president of Starbucks North America and the executive vice president of sales and operations. So you gotta listen to this man.

From one store in Seattle to a multimillion dollar franchise that's got franchises worldwide. How was it done? I thought I would find a step-by-step guide in this book and dove eagerly in. But of course I was wrong. Haha, how could you do that, translate 20 years of labour into a book?

But this is book of great wisdom. In 165 pages, the guiding principles of running a successful enterprise is distilled into easy to digest, flavourful and aromatic chapters. Awesome stuff.

Behar draws upon "Build to Last" and I saw the similarities quickly. But it was alright. He really talks about his experience at Starbucks in great detail, and covers snapshots of crucial moments in the company that brought about its success today.

Love the weight of the book. Its really light and easy to carry around. The dust jacket design grows on you too. In a very secure, cosy red background, the distinctive green Starbucks label stands out.

I was very impacted, because as I lead a group of people in a bookstore to fulfill their potential, Behar's words rang true. It's not about the coffee, it's all about the People. It's all about the People. Once you treat your people right, let loose their creativity and give them freedom in a structured environment, oh how they would surprise you.

So I gathered a lot of insight from the book.

This book is most suitable for executives leading a team of people in any organization. Spend 10 days on this book and you'll hone leadership skills and let shine like never before as a great leader.

This book is not an espresso where you'd be overwhelmed with potent information, more like my favorite Java Chip Frappucino, a strong but refreshing drink in tropically-hot Singapore:)

Understanding the Power and Purpose of Prayer - Myles Monroe

2009-04-03T01:57:00.003+08:00

I bought this book sometime back at Attributes bookstore cos I wanted to learn more about how to pray. There was so many books available, I didn't know what to choose. So I just picked this one because it says "National Best-Seller" on my copy, even though the photo I uploaded says "Best-Selling Author". Same thing really.

Anyway, it is surprisingly good. If you attend City Harvest Church, this book is really a condensed, power-packed version of Pastor Kong's sermons on prayer. Its like a sermon and Foundation Truths series combined man.

It has 12 Chapters on the different aspects of prayer, and they are sorted into 4 main categories:
1. The Purpose and Priority of Prayer
2. Preparing for Prayer
3. Principles of Prayer
4. The Power of Prayer

And I love the fact that each chapter ends with a prayer, some questions to ask yourself on your prayer life and positive action steps you can take, and finally, a quick summary of the main points covered in the chapter.

Awesome stuff! I kept thinking to myself, "What a great book!" even as I was reading it. Some of the things I already knew, and it was a positive reinforcement and a timely revision, some of the things Dr Monroe talks about are new to me. Like symbols in the Bible. Very interesting.

I encourage every Christian to buy it. And read it thrice. Every chapter is so concise and has so much info that I can barely digest it in one sitting. Read it over 12 days if you're a fast reader, or over 12 weeks for a moderate one.

But most importantly, don't just read, but apply the concepts learnt in your life man. You'll begin to see prayers getting answered as you begin to understand what prayer is really about and how to pray effectively.

This is really good stuff!

The Fourth Dimension - Dr David Yonggi Cho

2008-05-10T12:07:00.003+08:00

The coolest book ever written. Even though its written more than 20 years ago, its still fully relevant today. Let not the cover deceieve you, its truly overflowing with greatness for you to use in your life.

Dr Cho talks about the Fourth Dimension, a Spiritual Dimension and explains why its not just Christianity alone that can heal, perform miracles and more. English is not his first language, but precisely because of that, he writes clearly and simply. And every anecdote is easily understood by the reader. This simple language goes further to highlight the supernatural God that we have:)

The various examples of real people and their lives clearly illustrates how Christ's love transformed them. And its really amazing stuff.

Go read it today!

Commanding Angels - Larry Keefauver

2008-05-05T21:16:00.003+08:00

Bought this book as part of a 3 for $10 sale at Attributes during Easter. Bought it with the book, "The Lazarus Trap". This book teaches you how to command Angels, because most of us don't.

From Buddha to Jesus - Steve Cioccolanti

2008-05-05T20:57:00.003+08:00

Fantastic book I bought yesterday at Attributes and finished today! Haha, its so addictive, with its 14 size Times New Roman font, in an easy to read language and layout that I just had to finish it.

The author compares similarities between Buddhism and Christianity and the parallels are so amazing. He is a senior pastor of Discover Church in Australia but was brought up in Thailand in a family of Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims and Methodists. Interesting background that brought him to know and understand deeply about Buddhist teachings.

This for both Buddhists and Christians to understand about the other's teachings. I admire the fact that the author uses the original Pali and Sanskrit languages and transliterated them to provide for a clearer understanding of Buddhist teachings and their meanings. Fascinating read. I've learnt so much about Buddhism in the few hours of reading this book than in the 20 years I've lived on this earth, in Singapore to boot.

Great read for everyone!

Its a pity the author relied on certain Internet resources for references and could have used more texts, but then again, it would have been hard to, given that there is no agreed form on the Tripitaka. So its not a scholarly read for theologians, but a very practical book for the layman. A bit of repetition at the end, but great read nonetheless!

The Lazarus Trap - Davis Bunn

2008-04-10T20:49:00.003+08:00

Got this book at the Attributes warehouse sale during Easter. It cost me a grand total of $3.33. Not a bad book. Its like a corporate thriller. I finished it in 2 days cos I wanted to know the ending. Lalala.

Ties up everything quite nicely for a guy who had amnesia. Some parts didn't link quite well but was quickly overlooked in this fast-paced story.

Hmm. I guess the reason why I don't have much to say perhaps is because its not a bad book, but its not an outstanding one either. But I think if made into a movie, it'd be cool!

Vacuum Diagrams - Stephen Baxter

2008-02-12T22:44:00.000+08:00

Many thanks to my classmate Thet who lent me this book the day before the start of Chinese New Year. And I spent most of the 4 day holiday rushing to finish the book. I must say that it is a really awesome science fiction book. In a class of its own man.

First off, unlike other science fiction novellas or novels that dwell briefly on a couple of scientific concepts, inventing most of the stuff and lacing it all over with jargon, this one really embraces physics like I've never seen before. Here and there we see mention of photinos, dark matter, Godel's theorem, the famous Schrodinger and more!

Lovely stuff, it traces the story of a universe from around A.D. 4000 to A.D. 4 000 000. That's right, 4 million years into the future. Haha awesome stuff. Initially I read it with a tinge of skepticism, knowing that it was unlikely that we could ever find life other than humans and other creation on planet Earth that God specially created. However, as I embraced the story, it was really cool to see how broad the human imagination can be. Common grace at work here.

I love the various chapters and all. But a word of warning, all the physics might prove too overwhelming for a layman, I thank NUS and my teachers for my physics knowledge to appreciate this book.

Good Morning, Holy Spirit - Benny Hinn

2007-12-29T21:08:00.000+08:00

My birthday present from a fellow Attributes member, Yi Fei, this book was what I wanted to read for a long time. I have heard so much about it, that high expectations for this book had been built up over the months. And when I finally laid my eyes on it, Benny Hinn certainly delivers! With the anointing of God in his words and testimony.

It is so much more than a handbook to develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit. This book chronicles the childhood of Benny Hinn and the migration of his family from Israel to Canada. I was captivated by the power of God that worked in his life, and more than that, the sure possibility that the very same God can work the same miracles in our lives as well too. If only we allow Him to.

Reading is not as good as application of the advice dispensed. Time and again, he reminds us that we gotta seek God and we will find him. The boy with the bicycle manual will never learn how to ride, even if he read it a million times, if he doesn't get on the bike at all. So we must set our hearts to seek after God, to pray for the presence of God, His Holy Spirit to come to us, and He will surely grant our prayers.

As Katherine Kulman was a powerful influence in the life of young Benny Hinn, so is he to our lives today. It is a great book and an essential one to every Christian today. So pick up a copy today!

Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card

2007-12-29T21:03:00.000+08:00

A fantastic book that was Christmas present by Meiling. Well Ender's Game is THE sci-fi story you've ever hoped for. It is intelligent, gripping and one truly awesome page-turner. It is well, about Ender and the games he plays.

If I have anything to complain about it, it would be that it is a tad too dark for comfort. With all the violence, hurting and spite in the young 10 year olds, I'd not recommend it for children and tweens, perhaps teens and older.

Read the book within a day. I really really love this as a sci-fi book. Would be rank right beside Asimov's books. I must say the book has aged really well. Even though it was written literally decades ago, yet it is still one refreshing read.

20 Compelling Evidences That God Exists - Kenneth D. Boa, Robert M., Jr. Bowman

2007-12-01T11:39:00.000+08:00

Read this book within 2 days. Haha in the midst of my exams no less! Hahaha. Well my dad borrowed this book from the local library and it was lying around. So being bored with Basic Inorganic Chemistry, I picked it up intending to flip through it. But with its clear double spaced lines and witty speech, I devoured half the book, from Evidence 1 to Evidence 11 in one night.

Fantastic stuff. Haha, the dust jacket starts off with the verse: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for hte hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15 NIV. Yup and so it goes. It takes off with an intellectual discourse, but in layman terms. The authors both teach at universities and have PhDs, so if you're expecting some lightweight material, look elsewhere.

This book is aimed at everyone, not just Christians, to answer questions that many people have concerning God. It has substantial reasoning and in the earlier chapters, you must read closely to follow, especially on the section about how relativistic statements fall back into themselves. Haha, relativity is only for the physicists. Some statements do have loopholes in them but they are minor and are easily spotted as being perhaps inadequate examples or figures of speech.

My favourite was Number 8: The Evidence of a Fallen World. Many claim that God doesn't exist because there is so much evil in the world today. But the existence of good and evil coexisting is the very proof that God exist. This is because evil is a choice made by humans. And if we can make no such choice, then we'd simply be robots living in this world. However, God sent Jesus down to redeem us, and set us free. In any case, my own opinions and thoughts here don't do justice to the great book that everyone should read. Its witty, thought-provoking and more.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling

2007-08-27T20:16:00.000+08:00

A most interesting book. First of all, my heartfelt thanks to my classmate Yiwei for lending me the book last Wednesday even before you even started reading it!

Haha, well I heard spoilers here and there but it was nevertheless a great read! The book is substantially lighter than the previous tomes and I was pretty surprised at the weight of it.

It was engrossing and I completed reading it within 1 day and returned it to her the day after. Haha.

What can I say? J.K. Rowling simply weaves magic like nobody's business. And I think it must have been sometime since I read The half-blood prince cos I had forgotten when Harry got a new girlfriend and then broke up again. I should read it again really. Haha.

Well, well, the true test came, but it was slightly anti-climatic, I expected a more intense wandfight between Voldermort and Harry at the end instead of just a single spell.

Lalala, but I especially loved the mystique and adventure of Harry, Hermonine and Ron. Though it seemed a little draggy - always does cos you can't wait to get to the end - but yup. Whee! Won't mind reading all 7 again!

A million stars for this epic.

What Would Jesus Do - Charles M. Sheldon

2007-08-27T20:03:00.000+08:00

A most interesting book. I bought it at the Great Attributes Sale, I think it was $9.90 and Pauline told me she had a copy after I showed it to her...

Haha anyways, I thought it was a book about principles, rules to follow and stuff. How sadly mistaken I was. Don't ever judge a book by its cover! Haha.

It was a narrative, a true tale set in the early 19th century on how a pastor's life was impacted by a tramp on the streets who collapsed in his church, a highly respectable institution and how his whole life and ministry was transformed.

A pretty long read by standards because of the style, its quite different from the snappy pace of books today. But now you know where the phrase came from. After reading I also felt impacted by the miracles that happened just because one person obeyed God.

Reminds me of Shamgar:)

Coming up next... Finally! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

The Fall of Lucifer - Wendy Alec

2007-08-03T01:54:00.000+08:00

Just finished it this morning on the bus to work. Wow! It's such an amazing book I picked up from the Kallang Attributes Warehouse courtesy of Kelvin. Haha.

It has such glorious, beautiful and lush descriptions of Heaven it'd probably convert an unbeliever in just a few chapters. Haha. Well basically the story is about the 3 archangels, Lucifer, the star of the morning, Michael the warrior and Gabriel the Revelator. And of course how Lucifer fell.

It was jealousy. Amazing. I felt it wasn't fully fleshed out, how Lucifer was consumed by jealousy, it seemed to have happened too quickly, but I guessed that's how such powerful emotions work. It doesn't take time, it happens instantly.

Well, this was the first book in years I've truly enjoyed, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Now when was the last time I read a book like that? Hmm..... Can't remember. It's a must read!!! I can't wait to lay my hands on the following books!

From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya - Ruth A. Tucker

2007-05-30T00:02:00.000+08:00

It's a most inspirational book. I finally learn what it means to obey the Great Commission - Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

It is simply awesome. Nowadays people complain about how aggressive Christians are trying to convert them. And children of God get scared. Really, its simply to share the love of God, to be an effective witness for Christ. Just tell them what Christ has done in your life.

Man, Paul was stoned, shipwrecked 7 times, whipped, imprisoned, yet he kept true to his calling. Missionaries have helped saved millions from starvation by providing aid, like World Vision has, and they have also been eaten alive, was it Studd, sailed to islands, never to be heard from again. All to save a world destined for the netherworld. With one life to live, with a cause to die for, they certainly led a glorious life, but were always humble, giving God all the glory.

We see how missions can be bad for individual families, with the heavy commitment upon their shoulders, and how ordinary people lived up to their calling in an awesome way.

This book chronicles the exploits of the major personalities of missionaries in the past 2000 years, and we see how the flow has changed throughout the years.

Excellent book for a believer.

My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult

2007-05-29T23:51:00.000+08:00

Working at a bookstore during the holidays now and apart from the trashy historical romance novels that corrupts my mind, I have this bestseller to keep me away from them.

It starts off rather well, but gets draggy in the middle, I can't wait for it to end. Keeps going around the same issue over and over again. Still somewhere in the middle on page 238. Notwithstanding the fact that I can't read it in one sitting, only when no customers are around and when boss isn't around.

Its about cloning, ethics, and more importantly, humans and their emotions. This books is a very real 1st persons narration of the events that take place in their lives and their very real responses. All the characters have their own reasons, needs to be fulfilled and you can really empathize with them as you go along. One character for every person. Julie for the single career woman, Jesse for every delinquent child who was once good, Brian, the parent in the middle, Sara the mom torn apart by her sick child and more.

Interesting book. And I hope to lay my hands on Nineteen Minutes by the same author since Attributes bookstore stocks it.

Battlefield of the Mind - Joyce Meyer

2007-05-20T00:25:00.000+08:00

One of the essential books every Christian should have. This books deals with many issues that confront us today, wrong thoughts, wrong beliefs about God that we've created ourselves, and God doesn't want us to have.

After reading this, your maturity level and spiritual level will increase several notches. This is one of those books that after reading, you'll know uncover so much revelation and be positively swimming in that some people would have to take years in church to realise.

Everything begins in the mind. You are what you believe. So you must believe right thoughts, that God loves you, that God condemns slothful living, that God is a merciful God.

Go through the 10 Wilderness Mentalities and review if you're living a proper life, and if you're a Christian living in depression, this book is certainly for you. For the joy of the Lord is my strength.

In easy, bite-size chapters, it is like a series of quality sweet treats on a plate, lasting, impressive yet not too cloyingly sweet, that you want more and more of it.

Joyce Meyer is indeed a most anointed writer, so check this book out!

Thanks Rochelle for the book!

Wake Up Call - Glenn Lim

2007-05-10T00:16:00.000+08:00

This is a most inspirational book that Yi Xuan lent me. And I devoured it all in one day. Read it on my way to driving school and back home.

It's a mini autobiography of Glenn Lim, once a drug abuser and rebel, then reformed by Teen Challenge, a group led by Sam Kuna who focuses on the marginalized in society. He talks about himself, how his childhood, the angry teenage years, and the wild, rockin', drug-filled young adult years before it all came crashing down on him. Wake Up Call tells us how Glenn got a rude awakening from the law. The possibility of a lifetime in prison was the turning point of his life.

Someone once mentioned how people, especially those talented ones, are prideful, and rely on themselves, denying God the rightful place in their life, until it is too late. But it's never too late:) Glenn Lim realized that and is here today, telling us his story.

It is written in first person, in a simple but emphatic style. Most people would take to it, and with its clear font and spacing, it is easy on the eyes. The pace is kept up with all the action in the life of Glenn Lim, from a teenage rebel, a rocker upstart then a humbled prisoner.

It ain't perfect, there are some repetitions here and there, when he talks about his family relationships. However, these faults make the book endearing and real. Unlike a highly polished biography, this book keeps it raw and real. The pace is fast, and you'd keep wanting to move on to the next chapter of his life. This book is a real page turner and an avid reader would probably finish it in a day.

Very touching too, pages 82 to 88. Brought tears to my eyes as I was reading it.

All in all, I'd recommend everyone to read it. Not often you get a local author who openly talks about how hard teenage life is, and shows us his scars, his faults, but also how he has overcome them with the help from many people.

Introduction

2007-05-10T00:08:00.000+08:00

I love to read. Seriously. So here's a little blog chronicling my latest reads.

Hope it proves to be helpful.

Enjoy.