Holy Bible - International Children's Bible

This translation of the Bible is very easy to understand.  I chose several favorite stories to read to my niece and nephew, which they enjoyed.  The words used are simple and age appropriate for young children.  I would have liked the printing to be a little larger for this age group, but it is still easy enough to read.  I love the bold, colorful pictures and so does my 6 year old nephew.  The picture on the cover is holographic, which he thought was great.

Features of this Bible include a dictionary, colorful maps, a "Where Do I Find It?" guide, and memory verses.

I was a little disappointed when I received the book at how beat up the paperback cover was, but it was free, so I can't really complain.  If I were to buy this book, I would choose the hardcover (I'm assuming it comes it hardcover.)

I definitely recommend this version of the Bible for younger children, especially those just starting to read the Bible on their own.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through a book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Nativity Collection by Robert J. Morgan

 This book contains 6 short stories.  Each will introduce you to different characters in a way that makes you feel like they are old friends.

I enjoyed all of the stories, but my favorite was the first story, "Ollie," which shares the Christmas experience of a young boy during WWII.

The book is beautiful.  The layout of the pages and the photographs really added to the stories.  I initially thought this would make a good gift for a certain family member, but now I want to keep it for myself!  I'll just have to buy another copy.

I wasn't familiar with the author before reading this, but I would be interested in reading any other books he has written.

I love Christmas and even though it is only September, I'm ready for the season to arrive!  I definitely recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

The Falling Away by T.L. Hines

This is the story of Dylan Runs Ahead, a native american war veteran who is doing his best to run away from memories of a missing sister and of war, but discovers he needs to face them instead.  Along the way he is helped by a woman who talks about seeing things others don't.

This was the first book I've read by T. L. Hines, and it wasn't at all what I was expecting.  I wouldn't say I really enjoyed the story, but I was intrigued and couldn't put the book down.  I wanted to find out how it ended.   There were times I forgot I was reading a Christian book, but I'm not sure if this is a positive or negative.

Something I was startled by was the references to self-harm by one of the characters.  As someone who self-harms I was triggered by this, but I am also pleased that this book could help the public become more aware of the condition.  I was happy self-harm was not the focus of the story or included in a way that screams "this is horrible, how could she do this?"

I think this book is worth reading, but probably isn't one I will keep and reread multiple times.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through a book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Buddha and the Borderline by Kiera Van Gelder

The Buddha and the Borderline is the memoir of a woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD.)  She is determined not to give in to this devastating disorder and turns to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and Buddhism.

The author shares the most intimate parts of her life with readers, including self-injury, suicide, psychiatric hospitalizations, therapy, issues with her parents, romantic relationships, and spirituality.  

Starting in the prologue there are very graphic descriptions of self-harm.  This could help others to understand what is going on in the head of someone with BPD, but could be very triggering to those who struggle with self-injury.

The book was well written and at times entertaining.  The information and insight on borderline personality disorder and DBT was interesting and helpful, and the author's determination to recover was inspiring.  

Buddhism played a smaller part than I expected from reading the title, and at times I would have appreciated a little more background to better understand the way studying this religion actually benefited her.

As a person with BPD I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to other people diagnosed with this disorder and to their families.  I don't know how interested others would be in this story.