Great Book about Depression and Suicide

Life, In Spite of Me is a book that draws you in with description and raw emotions.  It is filled with miracles, faith, hope, and trusting in God.  The book is also about how Kristen Anderson turned her life toward God and helping others through her tragic experiences.  My favorite quote in the book was this: "It helps me so much to know that even when I don't have plans for myself, I can trust that God has plans for me.  Even when I don't have hope, he has hope for me.  And even when I don't see a future for myself, he does.  I just have to have faith.".  This book is a true inside look into the life of someone who has dealt with depression and suicide. 

New Perspective

Having been a Christian my entire life, sometimes I have gotten apathetic to who Jesus really is.  The first thing that hit me after reading the first couple chapters in the book Radical by David Platt, is that I really didn't know Him as well as I had thought.  I haven't spent much time really taking in who He is, and this book helped me really dig into Scripture to see more.  My behaviors and thoughts were also challenged.  I realized how I often distort who God is.  By the second chapter, I was humbled and convicted.  I realized how ignorant I am sometimes about what the Bible really says, and instead perceive God how I think He is. 

I loved the stories of other countries and missionaries scattered throughout the book.  They were very empowering and brought the book to life.  I traveled out of my little Americanized world into the worlds of others.

This book is very thought provoking, but doesn't leave you with just that, he challenges you to take action.  On the practical side, the author lists what you can do to be radical and reach out to others with the Gospel.  Great book, it will change the way you think and behave, and open your eyes to a radical way of living.

(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.)

Hope in the Midst of Broken Dreams

I chose the book Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb to review for Blogging for Books.  The title of this book caught my eye because I'm dealing with some broken dreams in my own life.  The book deals with finding true hope and joy even when your dreams are shattered and life is difficult.  I found the book to be intensely real and honest.  Crabb wrote of thoughts that I have often had, but was afraid to admit.  I appreciated his picture of imperfect Christians that have struggles, doubts, and raw emotions.  It was a relief to not feel so alone in my thoughts while dealing with the brokenness in my life.  In the beginning of the book, I admit that I felt more discouraged and angry as Crabb went through all the feelings and thoughts that people struggle with when dreams are broken.  The book was pretty intense and had much to ponder. As I read on and the story of Ruth unfolded I saw hope and God's love.  This book gave me a Biblical perspective that challenged my skewed and incorrect ways of thinking towards my desires, dreams, and passions.  Crabb got me to think outside the box and the "typical Christian".  I realized many things about myself, the Christian community, suffering, pain, hope, and denial.  I really liked the book and found it to be very helpful.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is broken or wants to understand suffering and brokenness.  It will change your perspective on how you view your life, circumstances and God.

(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.)