Books at the Beach

Trying something new...instead of just publishing written book reviews, I am trying my hand at video ones, as well.  Please check this one out at my YouTube channel and give me some feedback. Thank you, Steve King Books At The Beach http://about.me/booksatthebeach

Have you ever seen a creature as amazing as a sea turtle?  They're magnificent creatures - and many people are quite worried about their longevity upon planet earth. My review of Jame Spotila's excellent work, Saving Sea Turtles , is below. Comments welcome! Happy Friday. -Steve King Available at Amazon.com Saving Sea Turtles: Extraordinary Stories from the Battle against Extinction[Hardcover] by James R. Spotila 240 pages, $24.95 ISBN-13: 978-0801899072 Nonfiction Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd In 2003, Disney released Finding Nemo a forlorn tale which chronicles the haphazard journey of a Clownfish named Marlin as he navigates the Great Barrier Reef to locate his missing son, Nemo.  In the opening scenes of that movie, Nemo excitedly asks his dad if he has ever met a shark with an important follow-on question: “ How old are sea turtles? ”  Marlin, perhaps a little too annoyed while contemplating his son’s first day of school replies, “ Well, if I ever meet a

I love books that demonstrate the impact that God's grace has upon us.  This book is a refreshing look into the world of overseas adoption - and the ways that one "special needs" child underlined the reality about God's grace to their family. Larry Taunton writes in a very pointed and engaging way...you will not be disappointed by this one.  I couldn't put it down. Happy Friday! Comments welcome! -Steve Available at Amazon.com The Grace Effect: How the Power of One Life Can Reverse the Corruption of Unbelief By Larry Alex Taunton 272 pages, $16.99 ISBN-13: 978-1595554406 Non-fiction Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd I have always admired those who live out their faith by participating in short term missions.  During these trips, one’s faith is often reaffirmed and strengthened when considering how well off Americans are.  Every now and then, one’s life is completely transformed. Such is the case with Larry Taunton whose family participated in a miss

It is refreshing to read a book about church where the author definitely understands the times in which we live. Victor Cuccia has written an amazing book which should be read by all church leaders.  It is possible to be the church God has called us to be. Order this book...and order one for your pastor. Happy Friday! -Steve Available at Amazon.com Steeple Envy: Losing My Religion and Rediscovering Jesus [Softcover] by Victor Cuccia re:Think Publishing Company  172 pages, $8.99 ISBN-13: 978-0615509921 Nonfiction Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd How long has it been since you have had to look for a new church home?  No doubt many Christians are probably very comfortable in their current routine: go to church, sit in the same area every Sunday, sing three songs, and listen to a 24.5 minute sermon.  It is comfortable, routine, and feels good.  For that week, you can check the box labeled, “I went to church.”  Maybe even use your smart phone to “check in,” so all your FaceBook f

I believe the way the Common English Bible renders Genesis Chapter 2 highlights an important point concerning women. From verse 18, we see that a suitable companion was not discovered for Adam as he was naming all the animals. The Common English Bible renders an important point when God declares, "I will make him a helper that is perfect for him." The New English Translation contains an interesting note about the word translated as companion : Traditionally “helper.” The English word “helper,” because it can connote so many different ideas, does not accurately convey the connotation of the Hebrew word עֵזֶר (’ezer). Usage of the Hebrew term does not suggest a subordinate role, a connotation which English “helper” can have. In the Bible God is frequently described as the “helper,” the one who does for us what we cannot do for ourselves, the one who meets our needs. In this context the word seems to express the idea of an “indispensable companion.” The woman would supply

To illustrate how readable the Common English Bible is, I have recorded Genesis Chapter 1.  I especially like how verse 27 is rendered: "God created humanity in God's own image, in the divine image God created them, male and female God created them. If you are looking for a good gift this holiday season, I commend to you the Common English Bible.  Click on the icon in the right panel to place your order. Kindly, Books at The Beach

The American dream is not dead.  If the United States acts quickly to reverse the tide of economic degradation in our economy...the dream might live on for our children and grand-children. Have you lived the American dream?  Don't you want to see the dream stay alive for future generations?  Cammisa has written a book that provides a good thumbnail sketch of the major problems. Read the book...recommend it to your friends...get your elected officials talking. Let's not perpetuate the American nightmare.  Comments always welcome! Happy Friday, -Steve Available at Amazon.com The American Dream: How the Free-Market Economy is Eroding It and What We Can Do to Restore It [Paperback] By James V. Cammisa 220 pages, $14.95 ISBN-13: 978-1463526115 Non-fiction Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd An opportunity to live in America used to be synonymous with living a dream: suitable employment, a nice house, and a guaranteed retirement.  Since the economy took a horrific downturn

Be very careful "where" you go for spiritual advice...just because an individual has sold millions of books does not mean he is careful with scriptural analysis.  I received an advanced copy of John Bevere's Relentless and was hopeful that it would contain information that would be beneficial to the Kingdom of God. I was disappointed. What I found was the same ole John Bevere I had encountered previously. Rash, prideful, and twisting scripture. If you're a John Bevere fan, I urge you to proceed with caution.  Be a Berean--search the Scriptures to see if what John is saying is true... While it might break decorum to promote another book as an introduction to a book review, if you're serious about Bible study...you might want to check out How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart. Happy Wednesday and as always, comments welcome. -Steve Relentless: The Power You Need to Never Give Up [Hardcover] by John Bevere $19.99 

Fiction is not my favorite genre to read - I would prefer to curl up with a good nonfiction, philosophically bent narrative. Every now and then, a work of fiction comes into your life you have to extol! Greg Kiser's InSyte was amazing...it held me from the first few pages.  I am happy to see such writing is still being produced.  My review is below. Comments welcome. Happy Friday! -Steve King Available at Amazon.com inSyte: If suddenly you have all the answers...well that raises a lot of interesting  questions. Greg Kiser inSyte ISBN-13: 978-0615484877 390 Pages (Includes front and back matter) Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd With the rapid advance of technology and the proliferation of information across the World Wide Web, how would it change your life if you had access all information right in front of your eyes?  Would you settle to dazzle partygoers by displaying your penchant for minutiae, or would you use your access to information for something truly be

When I read of a new Bible translation being introduced, I ask myself, “why” a new translation is needed.  During my formative years, I was reared in a King James Only church and quickly discarded such minimalist thinking when I went to Bible College .  For my studies, I heartily embraced the New International Version. Some professors I had encouraged their particular preferences of Scripture (my New Testament professor mandated a purchase of a New American Standard Bible since that was his favorite). I recall with great fondness the first glimpses I had into translational theory—where my greatest take away was the primacy of dynamic equivalence translations over literal translations. While ardent supporters specify that a literal interpretation is best, I could never figure out why a more readable version was bad.  Especially when dynamic equivalence indicates that the “thought” is the salient point to translate…not just the wooden nature of what is in the Hebrew or Greek.  Consider