Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Backwards Beauty

I get it. Using reverse psychology to get people to do what you want them to. I didn't really like the title/subtitle of this book, but I enjoyed this book overall. It was mainly written for high school girls (or at least girls living with their parents still based on a few lines in the book), so just be aware of that if you're looking to buy this as a twenty/thirty-something.

I like connecting with authors and I think Jessie and I could be friends in real life.

I liked how she had extras you could check out at the website. Jessie ended every chapter with a written prayer and small group questions you could use if you wanted. I did not use them, but I could see how this could be a good book for a high school girls' study.

Jessie had a way of convicting you about things but also helping you realize you are not alone by mentioning that she struggles, too. She covered everything from beauty/makeup to food and exercise. She uncovered the ugliness of pride and jealousy in women's lives.

"There's nothing as beautiful as a smile. A smile shows confidence, joy, and peace with yourself. A smile is contagious and brings life to the people around you" (63). That's great because smiling's my favorite, to quote ELF. :)

Are we willing to listen to what God says about us over the voices in our heads that come from other people or ourselves?

A lot of great principles can be found in this book. I recommend this to young women to gain perspective on the topic of beauty.

I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  

Friday, May 13, 2016

Messy Grace


I really appreciated this book. Caleb has a way of sharing his story that is respectful to all people mentioned. He shares some of the details of what it was like to struggle with his newfound faith and the tension it caused in his relationships with his parents. "When I was put in a position of having to choose either [my parents] or God, I was facing the most difficult decision of my life. Many nights I stayed up late and seriously thought about no longer following Jesus. If I did that, at least I would have my parents back. I couldn't go back, though" (125).

This book gave me a lot to think about in relation to being a Christian who wants to show love to all people. "It's time that we Christians focus on building bridges with the LGBT community rather than burn them" (59).

Caleb was challenging and honest. I recommend this book.

I received this book for WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books. I received this book for free in exchange for a review of the book.