Book Review: Why I Love the Apostle Paul

Why I Love the Apostle Paul
30 Reasons

by John Piper

208 pages // published in 2019 // Christian non-fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

"Besides Jesus, no one has kept me from despair, or taken me deeper into the mysteries of the gospel, than the apostle Paul." --John Piper

No one has had a greater impact on the world for eternal good than the apostle Paul--except Jesus himself. For John Piper, this impact is very personal. He does not just admire and trust Paul. He loves him. Piper gives us thirty glimpses into why his heart and mind respond this way.

Can a Christian-killer really endure 195 lashes from a heart of love? Can a mystic who thinks he was caught up into heaven be a model of lucid rationality? Can an ethnocentric Jew write the most beautiful call to reconciliation? Can a person who lives with the unceasing anguish of empathy be always rejoicing? Can a man's description of the horrors of human sin be exceeded by his delight in human splendor? Can a man with a backbone of steel be as tender as a nursing mother?

If we know this man--if we see what Piper sees--we too will love him. Paul's testimony is a matter of life and death. Piper invites you into his relationship with Paul in the hope that you will know life, forever.

The apostle Paul was a passionate man. After he became a Christian, he was on fire for God. Isn't he someone that all Christians should emulate? Do you think we could end up shining as bright for our world, as he did back in biblical times?

"He held a more negative view of depraved human nature than most people can fathom, and a more exalted view of human destiny than most people can dream."

So many excellent topics are covered, including contentment, suffering, love, leaving sin behind, friendships, joy, and the amazingness of God's hand in our life... and still much more. Loads of wonderful ideas to ponder over.

This book revealed character traits of Paul's to me, which remind me so deeply of my own grandfather. Both men being missionaries, their focus on life being to go where the gospel hasn't gone before, and to run the race well.

"Love means gladly embracing the quest to bring others into your experience of joy in God, even if it costs you your life."

Minimum age to read: 16 and up. It vaguely mentions a topic or two suited only for older teens and adults, but it doesn't go into detail about it.

Overall? This isn't an average biography on Paul, in fact, it's really not one at all. So even if you think you know Paul's story front to back, I guarantee at least 1 of these 30 reasons will shock you into thinking about him in a new perspective. More than likely though, you'll find new ideas aplenty from Piper's book.

BUY YOUR COPY!
paperback // e-book

P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads.

Louisa May Alcott READING CHALLENGE 2019 Sign-ups!

Welcome to the 2019 edition of the Louisa May Alcott reading challenge!
Hosted by the blog In the Bookcase, yours truly.

Have you ever sampled a good story from the charming Miss Alcott?

Is it time for you to finally read (or re-read) Little Women & the sequels?

Would you like to enjoy Miss Alcott's writings with me this June?





"What do girls do
who haven't any mothers
to help them through their troubles?"
- Louisa May Alcott

// Who she is... //

Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) is an American authoress who inspires me. During her lifetime in the 19th century, she penned pages upon pages, delighting young girls and womenfolk, both then and now. Aside from being a writer, she briefly spent time nursing on the battlefield, and otherwise throughout her life supporting reform movements such as women's education, women's suffrage, abolitionism, and temperance.

Alcott wrote over a dozen novels, alongisde many short-story collections. Little Women is arguably the title of her most famous work, the story of 4 charming girls --- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March --- growing up during hardships of the Civil War. Most readers can relate a close kinship to at least one of these blossoming characters --- through their pleasures, adventures, suitors, and life in general.

I cherish Miss Alcott's writings --- and although I've enjoyed a few books of hers throughout the last few years (of hosting this challenge!)... I still have much to discover about this hardy woman, her life, and her family. So I'm endeavoring this June to pick out a couple of good books written by or about this favorite lady-author of mine, and glean from the shining pages.

The challenge is now open and lasts through the whole month. You might like to take a moment to peruse (my bloggy friend, now turned author) Susan Bailey's articles at Louisa May Alcott Is My Passion, where I have discovered many recommendations on suitable book titles. Also visit another blogger/author Trix Wilkins and her amazing articles about Miss Alcott's best-loved novel at Much Ado About Little Women.


Won't you join me in a good book?

// About this challenge... //


How to take part in the June reading challenge:

RIGHT NOW: Compile your list of Louisa May Alcott books that you would like to read, finish reading, or maybe re-read during June. Even books about L.M.A. (and the Alcott family) are welcome---biographies, fictionalized accounts of her life, etc. Your goal could be 1 book, 5 books, or short stories. To supply more options, you may decide to download audio book or e-books.

Write a blog post, or social media post explaining all about the books you want to read for this challenge. Goodreads, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram, (etc.) posts are welcome, if that's you're preferred method. Grab the challenge button and include it in your post if possible, so that others can find the challenge too.

* For those without blogs/social media: Tell us what you're reading in the COMMENTS SECTION below! This challenge is open to EVERYONE, and I hope any Alcott fans out there will find a way to participate.

Link up below! Every time you share an update or, say, a book review, add it to our ongoing linky. I'll be stopping by to see your progress! The linky is the main headquarters of this reading challenge, so that the other participants can follow everyone's progress just by taking a look at the list of all the posts.

NEXT STEP, June 1st: Start reading the books on your list! The challenge starts now and goes through June 30th. (You may begin reading at any point within this timeline.)

Browse through the other participants' blog posts, to see what everyone else is reading, and be sure to leave comments when you can. The only thing better than enjoying a good book, is enjoying it with like-minded friends!

Finally, when you have reached your goal, or by the time the challenge is ending:
Tell us about what you accomplished over the course of the challenge. Include any closing thoughts, or what you think of Louisa May Alcott now that you've read more of her works, etc. I'll be very pleased to hear about what you think at the end of this challenge!

{Click here for the button code.}

Not sure what to read for the challenge?
Check out my [List of published titles by Louisa May Alcott] for some literary inspiration this June.

// Calendar of events... //

May 18th ::: Sign-ups open. Tell everyone your reading plans for the challenge!

June 1st ::: Start date. Get to reading!

[all dates in between] ::: Read, review/talk about a book online if you like, repeat.

June 30th ::: End date. Final overview and link-up!



// What I'm personally reading... //

(click the links to buy your own copies, if you're interested in these titles too)




Something written by Miss Alcott's own hand...

The Inheritance (by L.M. Alcott, 1849)

Something written (fictionally) about Miss Alcott...

Louisa and the Missing Heiress (by Anna Maclean, 2004)

A children's book I happily picked up at the thrift store...

Meg Makes a Friend (by Susan Beth Pfeffer, 1998)

A remarkable resource I'm borrowing right now...

The Little Women Treasury (by Carolyn Strom Collins, Christina Wyss Eriksson, 1996)

// Join the challenge... //

After you come up with your booklist for the challenge, write up a post (on your blog, or your favorite social media, or comment below)... and add your link on the linky tool below.

Submit your Louisa May Alcott blog or social media posts on the linky below. ANY and ALL of your posts about Miss Alcott are welcome.

If you decide to share a favorite quote, a book review, or any other thoughts... link up and take a look at some of the other participants' posts.

Thank you for joining us!

I'm simply delighted to be spending my summer sifting through the writings of Louisa May Alcott. And I can't wait to see which books you're going to read for the challenge as well! Get your sign-up posts online NOW and link-up.

My summer reading challenges

Okay, so the first reading challenge I have to mention is the one I'm hosting right here. It's all about Louisa May Alcott and her writings. Whether you've read any of her books before or not... come check it out and try out some of her books! They're CLASSICS. This challenge takes place during the month of June only -- but you can create your reading list NOW.




Next up... the always thrilling COYER challenge, summer edition. June 1st through August 31st. They have a treasure hunt map for a fun game this time, plus read-a-thons that I always try my best to conquer.


Scavenger Hunt List
Points: 14

Read a book written by two authors: 4
Nicolae High by Jerry B. Jenkins, Tim LaHaye

No living thing on cover: 3
The Underground by Jerry B. Jenkins, Tim LaHaye

Author with 3 names: 4
The Little Women Treasury by Carolyn Strom Collins, Christina Wyss Eriksson

Water on cover: 3
Louisa and the Missing Heiress by Anna Maclean



And thirdly, I'll be attempting the 2019 Reading Assignment Challenge, summer semester. I've never been a part of this challenge before, but it looks interesting enough. I'm excited to try something new!


Professor AuthorLuv // 2 books per month
chosen author (team): Jerry Jenkins & Tim LaHaye

Professor Genre // 2 books per month
chosen genre: Historical Fiction

Professor Mix-It-Up // 3 books per month
chosen booklist:
Doc Susie
The Magic of Oz
Glinda of Oz
Five Feet Apart
The Little Women Treasury
The Detour of the Elephants
Say Cheese and Die -- Again!
The Cracked Spine
The Wizard of Oz FAQ

Books for Sale [May 2019 Edition]

I've always loved reading books.

I've always wanted to pass on really good books to my friends.

And yes, I've especially wanted to own a bookshop.

(Most of my childhood dreams were centered around literary themes such as these mentioned here -- and a few others. Like wanting to be a librarian too.)

My family always has a bunch of books in the house. More books are always arriving (magically/mysteriously). And it's time to start selling some off.

Here's a little peek into our selection that's FOR SALE this month...
I hope you find something you like! We'll have more Bible Studies, Christian Fiction, and Homeschool Materials posted for sale SOON.






Steal Away Home, by Matt Carter & Aaron Ivey

Above the Line (#1-4), by Karen Kingsbury, Complete Series

Anne of Green Gables (#1-8), by L.M. Montgomery, Complete Series

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Betty MacDonald, 1st Edition

* If a book listing has expired by the time you click on it here,
it's possible we may have re-listed it again...
Just check our current CATALOG to see if it's still available!


If you have any questions pertaining to our books for sale,
please contact us ANYTIME through Ebay.


Previous monthly catalog: JAN | FEB

Book Review: His Last Bow

His Last Bow

by Arthur Conan Doyle

301 pages // published in 1917 // crime, mystery

BOOK DESCRIPTION

'His Last Bow', the title story of this collection, tells how Sherlock Holmes is brought out of retirement to help the Government fight the German threat at the approach of the First World War. The Prime Minister himself requests Holmes's services to hunt down the remarkable German agent, Von Bork. Several of the detective's earlier cases complete the volume, including 'Wisteria Lodge', 'The Bruce-Partington Plans', and 'The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax'. In 'The Dying Detective', Dr Watson is horrified to discover Holmes at death's door from a mysterious tropical disease as his friend lays a trap for a murderer.

THE ADVENTURE OF WISTERIA LODGE:
A bleak tale with ominous clues leading up to the solution -- including a pail of blood. Indeed.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE BRUCE-PARTINGTON PLANS:
One of my favorites! Includes death by train in a particularly peculiar fashion.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE DEVIL'S FOOT:
In which Holmes and Watson willingly replicate the method by which other persons have expired. (Thrilling, no?) Also, we see Holmes' moral philosophy in rare form.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE RED CIRCLE:
A lodger with a secret. A fun mystery.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LADY FRANCES CARFAX:
A classic trail of clues -- which only the Great Detective himself could trace.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE DYING DETECTIVE:
Ah! A definite favorite of mine! Holmes, ever so sneaky, so clever, so true. A memorable tale.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE CARDBOARD BOX:
A gruesome little story. One of the highlights for me was Holmes' deductive mind reading. How does he do it?

HIS LAST BOW:
A story like no other. From the first sentence... It's just so sinister!

BUY YOUR COPY!
paperback

Book #2 completed // 20th Century




P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads.

Bookish Resolutions [May 2019 Check-in]

The Goal:

1. Read at least 125 books, from all formats.
--- Goodreads shows me that I'm 34% done with this goal, at 42 books. I'm on track for finishing them all by year's end.

2. Review, review, review! -- Make sure to review every book I read this year.
--- So far, so good.

3. In with the old! -- Read at least 25 books that are published before the year 2000.
--- Woohoo! 15 done! This goal is more than halfway finished (randomly, fairly accidentally too).

4. Listen while I "work"! -- Listen to at least 35 audio books.
--- I'm up to 10 so far. This number could have been better, but... I still have plenty of time.

5. Increase my NetGalley feedback ratio -- Finish at least 10 NetGalley books.
--- 3 finished. Still doable.

6. Read more titles from indie authors this year -- at least 12
--- Um, I count only 1 so far. This number is looking a mite depressing at the mo'.

7. Tackle something big! -- Read 2 books that have 500+ pages each. (Yes, I must try.)
--- Alright! Here's one to feel successful on, because this goal is 50% done. I read The Fellowship of the Rings for this.

8. Complete at least 8 year-long reading challenges (to doubly make sure I finish them off!).
--- Yes, well obviously, there's nothing to talk about here yet...

9. Finish what I start! -- Finish off at least 4 different book series.
--- Haven't finished any series yet, but am working on this in May.

10. All formats of books combined, conquer reading 25,000 pages (according to Goodreads stats).
--- 9,201 and counting!