The Skin Map - A Bright Empires Novel

By Stephen Lawhead

I just finished reading The Skin Map, and I couldn't be more pleased.

The Skin Map is a Sci-Fi adventure book, first and foremost.he characterization was warm and well done, and I was instantly immersed into this fantastic, believalbly written story. In it, the main character the main character has the unique knack of slipping into alternate universes which on the surface seem like our own, but in fact are infinite possible alternative histories.

It's full of meticulous historical detail and a surprisingly interesting sub-plot involving a coffeehouse in Prague.

I loved the idea, the fast pacing, the tongue-in-cheek humor, the way the story began basically linear and then branched out like some crazy tree, introducing new layers and new concepts to the growing plot. Yes, there were unanswered questions and this just demonstrates that Lawhead has a lot more great stuff coming. This book feels like the first small piece in some giant, ingenious tapestry.There are a *lot* of mysteries that book-one sets in motion, and one cannot expect everything to be revealed all at once.

I enjoyed this book immensely. In fact, I had trouble putting it down and I greatly look forward to future volumes. It was great fun to read, and that is what entertainment is all about.

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Its been a great read. I have read it slowly(taking over a fortnight to complete it) and its been a satisfaction at the end. In Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado relates the book of Acts to our current situation in the world.

He examines the first 12 books of Acts in relation to how we are living our lives today. Being part of a world in constant turmoil where billions are left starving and deprived of the simplest emotional and physical necessities, what role is today’s man to play?

Max tells story after story of common, ordinary people who dared to make a difference. And this has been the best part. Amalgamating fiction with spirituality.

I loved the book from starting till end and would recommend it to one and all, alike.

Same Kind of Different As Me By Ron Hall and Denver Moore

Same Kind of Different As Me recounts the true story of two men whose lives become connected in a most unlikely way.The lives of Denver Moore and Ron Hall couldn't be more dissimilar. One is a white, rich art-dealer from Ft. Worth (Ron) , and the other is a black homeless man who grew up in the cotton fields of Louisiana (Denver). Yet the two ends meet to complete the circle of life, in the most unimaginable of circumstances. They connect at a homeless shelter in Ft. Worth after Ron's wife, Debbie, feels the call from God to work at the Union Gospel Mission in downtown Ft. Worth. Neither man's life would ever be the same.

The Same Kind of Different As Me is a must read for all readers. This is something for people of every age. In my opinion, this is one of the best books that I have received from Thomas Nelson and I am deeply thankful to them for providing me a chance to come across such a wonderful book.

This book shows readers a different side of homelessness: most homeless people started off just like us but did not have as good luck.

Still, the book reminds us, that this is all part of God’s plan. Never judge people, because there is always more to life than what appears to be.

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. A touching story with a feel of life. A Must must read.

Lead Like Ike: Ten Business Strategies from the CEO of D-Day By Geoff Loftus

I never read a book on management skills and definitely not the that focus on imparting managing skills tuitions.But, this first timer just blowed me out. An amazing book from Geoff Loftus, this is a definite-read for anyone.
Double so if you are anyone who is aspiring that cabin of your office where plate reads C.E.O.
Geoff imparts some valuable lessons on how to lead efficiently and honestly. How to lead like Ike.We have known Dwight D. Isenhower as the war hero and US president, but it is quite surprising and yet a pleasant surprise to know him as one of best CEO ever.And you have so much to learn from him.
The structure of book, division of chapters on chronic sequences of WW-II makes it all even more exciting.Add to that, the details that you never knew about and personalities that you knew before, just by names. Its an enriching text, theoretically and factually.
A great book to have for anyone. I learnt a lot from it, I am sure you will too.
Hundred percent recommended.

The Secret of Indigo Moon by G. P. Taylor

Highly intriguing plot, gripping storyline and compelling graphics. What else do you need from a fantasy fiction book? G.P. Taylor tells yet another interesting tale through words and pictures. Story begins from where the book-one of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles series ends. Just this time, it’s even more captivating.

Erik Ganger and Dopple twins, Sadie and Saskia face even dangerous adversaries and tone is set for another thrilling adventure. As the twisting and turning plot spans through the factious town of Hampstead, mystery deepens with each turning page.Old villains are back, new dangers and new challenges awaiting our heroes, this book is entertaining to its core.

Another interesting feature about this book is amazing graphics on almost every page along with certain parts in form of comics. The whole concept makes the reading more interesting. So, this book is a must for our “reluctant readers”, to make them realize the wonders of reading.Highly praised by parents and teacher alike, this would make a wonderful gift to our young readers.Nevertheless, this one is for everyone from the age of twelve to sixty.

G.P. Taylor surely is one of the finest fantasy authors of our times and the remark at the back cover is surely not overstated when it read Mr Taylor as “The new C.S. Lewis.”

Two thumbs up for Mr. Taylor and DG Chronicles. Eagerly waiting for third installment.

The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel J. Miller

Everyone knows what Paul Revere did and how he got famous. But, we actually never knew who Paul Revere was! What inspire anyone to do something as brave as Paul did, and what makes great men GREAT is the core of this book.

I will totally agree with the comment on the cover of the book by William J. Bennett which says "Gallops along with all the drama and intrigue of a great novel."

And it truly is so.

Giving a detailed account of life of Paul Revere, author spun an amazing tale of adventure and drama. How Paul came to Boston, death of his father, carrying the responsibility of family and trade, making a life and finally being a patriot for his people. This book has every element of a classic drama. Yet you wonder, this is not a fiction, Its a true life ! And that makes reading even more enjoyable.

Riding on the most dynamic period of American history, this book gives a reason to value such amazing tales of heroism and patriotism. Now, I know why Boston tea party is not merely just another conflict in history and why the RIDE was so much extraordinary.

Readers, its time to get inspired from a story you have never heard before about a name you knew very well. Kudos for Joel Miller.

Hundred percent recommended.

THE VERTICAL SELF by MARK SAYERS

How often do you stop in a party to ask yourself something like - “What’s the point?".

Well, this is something that Mark Sayers makes you realize. Confronting the concept of self in a very rational, yet sticking to the biblical foundations, author gives a very accurate picture of today’s social world. How we have come to an age where everyone lives with a pseudo-identity created out of modern myths. As you read on, you come to know that it’s not your another-self-help book.

Rather, it’s an ideology. One that asks you to be true to yourself and recognize yourself as an image of GOD. As put in the very well written foreword by Leonard Sweet, the kind of self we know today has a brief history. Mark dwells on the influences of today’s social life and gives an account of various selves like the "Social self of Sexy" and "Social self of Cool".

What’s more interesting is the writing style of Mark Sayers. Comparing with the modern image of self as horizontal-self: one that’s being driven by fake desires and skepticism, Sayers offers a vertical-self that reaches up to the GOD.

Comparing both images as if making a simple power point presentation, Sayers gives something very insightful in a very unique package. It’s definitely the time to reach to your vertical-self.