Primal by Mark Batterson

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)9 Comments

We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it with one commandment: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Primal Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity and power. Along the way, he calls Christians to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in their own lives.

“Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you?” asks Batterson. “A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.” Batterson says that that moment may have been during a sermon, on a mission trip or at an altar, but regardless of the time or place, a return to a primal faith is essential to all believers.

According to Batterson that primal faith will lead Christians to a new reformation, an overhaul of the way they love God. “Reformations are born out of primal truths rediscovered, reimagined and radically reapplied to our lives,” he says. And the importance of rediscovering the need to love God with all that we are can’t be measured. Primal will help readers live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God, becoming great at the Great Commandment.

“Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God?

I have enjoyed Mark Batterson’s writing in his past books and this book was icing on the cake.  Well written, thought provoking as is the norm for Batterson, who this time around is aiming to take us to new places intellectually and spiritually so that we may discover new ways of loving God.  Mark Batterson’s words flow off the paper and cause me to think outside the box.

In ways that I like to refer to as “teachable moments”, Mark Batterson uses a style of writing where he shares personal life stories that he turns right back to God.  Primal is all about getting back to the basics that the Bible has given us within the great commandment:   loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

Obviously as a book lover – I enjoy great writing and Mark Batterson does not lack in that department!  I for one cant wait to see what Mark Patterson comes up with next!

Want to make a difference?  Make Primal the first book you read in 2010 and start your New Year off with a new kind of resolution.


About The Author

Mark Batterson is the author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. He serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations. Mark has two Masters degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. www.markbatterson.com

I received my review copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks (audio)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)62 Comments

I am thrilled to be able to offer this wonderful book on audio thanks to Hachette Book Group!

An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life–until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. “Dear John,” the letter read…and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love–and face the hardest decision of his life.

See the movie trailer here

Official Movie site here

I have 3 of these to give away – here is how you can enter!

For one entry: Leave a comment here with a favorite Nicholas Sparks book that you have enjoyed.  Never read Sparks?  Then let me know here is you are planning to see this movie that will be out in February 2010

Extra Entries?  Sure!

For an additional entry tweet or blog about this giveaway and leave me a link here on a separate comment

Be a follower of this blog and let me know here (for another entry) or subscribe to this blog and let me know here on a separate comment and have two extra entries (doing both would be three extra entries)

That’s it – giveaway will end January 15.  USA and Canada entrants only.

The Ghost, The Eggheads, and Babe Ruth’s Piano by Larry Sweitzer

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)13 Comments


It’s the summer of 2004 and Freddie Holtzman can’t wait to get to Camp Mason, a summer camp for eggheads or rather, gifted teens. He hopes to reconnect with Ginny Haig, a girl he met at camp last year. Freddie’s old friends, Logan and Monty, are there along with some new faces. He tries to win Ginny’s affection, but every time he tries to talk to her, he says-and does-nerdy things.

At Camp Mason, a science fair pits the eggheads against one another for the top prize of a five thousand dollar scholarship. But, when the projects go missing, friendships are put to the test, relationships get put on hold, and everyone’s a suspect. To make matters worse, the camp is haunted by young Billy Mason who died there decades ago. The boys are determined to solve the mystery of the ghost and the missing science projects.

Freddie’s quest to win the scholarship—add the girl of his dreams—are constantly in jeopardy. There are complications at every turn: the ghost, a creepy caretaker, Freddie’s high school nemesis, a cantankerous camp manager, and a saboteur all threaten his chance to win the prize and Ginny’s heart.


For a book with an extremely unusual title (that gave me flashbacks of A Curios Incident Of The Dog In The Night) I found the whole read fascinating!  I felt like a kid again buried eye balls deep in Hardy Boy and Nancy Drew Mysteries.  Larry Sweitzer’s book was a great reminder of books of my past.  The setting of a camp is an excellent fit  for a book that revolves around the importance of friendships.

Many different elements make up this book that would be wonderful for the 7 – 10 age group.  I liked the fact that Freddie was extremely smart but also a jock.  This really brought together two groups that are usually quite separate the jocks and the…. well the eggheads.  I liked that about this book as it shows that you don’t have to be one or the other. Once I  started the book I did not put it down until on that last page our main character Freddie…. oh – that’s right, I can’t tell you!  Guess you will just have to read it for yourself!  😉

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Larry Sweitzer is a writer, musician, and avid baseball fan. He was born and raised in western Maryland and now lives in Virginia with his wife and two daughters. The Ghost, the Eggheads, and Babe Ruth’s Piano is his first novel. Visit him at www.larrysweitzer.com.

My Amazon Review

I received my copy fro review from Pump Up Your Book Promotion

Morning Meanderings

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)36 Comments

I have pulled Coffee Cup off the shelf at 5:45 am this morning.  Why?  Because I made a commitment to work out with a friend (do I use this term loosely because of the time we have committed to?) at 6:30 am at the YMCA.

On paper, this sounds good…. get up early – get it out of the way…. move on with my day and not have the pending workout hanging over my head.

In reality?  I am tired… unmotivated… and going to really not be happy if she is thinking the same thing and says forget this and doesn’t show up.

SO….  while I have a few minutes here for a second cup of coffee before I grab my work clothes and head out the door… I want to talk books.  Have you see this?

This is the set of all 8 of the Sookie Stackhouse books for $35.46 at Amazon.  I seen this last week and I keep looking at it.  I think it is a good deal… I only have the first on e in this series and believe I paid at least $8 for it.  It still sits on my shelf unread… but I do find comfort in the fact that I can pick it up and read it any time I want.

They seem to have such a following and so many people have read them and are loving them.

So have you read any of these? Are they good?

I have to run…. later on there is of course a review… and if I can find some time later – I have a few giveaways I need to post as well!

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)20 Comments

This is the weekly meme hosted by J Kaye’s Blog that takes a look at what is on on our reading agenda for the week….

I am pleased to say that in light of the mega reading I have been doing lately – I am taking this week to catch up on some reviews that seem to be piling up all around me and only working on reading one book this week – The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent:

I know, right?  Me the person who strives for 5 or 6 books a week needs to take a step back!  I have plenty of reviews to get posted this week and with my son here for the month now from college and my other son having left for the Navy…. I am just going to slow down a bit.

In my car I am listening to James Patterson:  Run For Your Life and I am loving it!


Last week I read and reviewed:

The Secret Of The Christmas Box by Steven Hornby (a quick read and a good holiday story)

The Carpet Boy’s Gift by Pegi Deitz Shea (This book through me for a loop – a great read on child labor!)

Home For The Holidays by Rebecca Kelly (The book didn’t impress me, but the review did!)

Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan (I had been listening to this on audio for the past week)

Gringos In Paradise by Malana Ashlie (A look into an area that I know well, it was fun to read about Honduras)


So that’s my plan…. I am doing a discussion next Monday afternoon here about The Heretic’s Daughter that I I hope many will join in.  If you have read it, let me know as I will be linking reviews here to those who join in the discussion of what I am hoping is going to be a fascinating read!

40 Loaves by c.d. baker with Giveaway!

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)31 Comments
A refreshingly different devotional that left me hungry for more and hopeful that there are 40 more loaves in the oven…  ~ Sheila


“Why don’t I have more faith?”
“Why am I so bored with Jesus?”
“Why are Christians so hard for me to like?”

There are many questions we’re not supposed to ask when playing by the religious rules. It makes people uncomfortable. So why is it that Jesus invited questions and even asked some of them himself? What is it that you’re afraid to ask God? It’s a risky prospect to begin asking–but far riskier to continue simply trying to get by without knowing. Author C. D. Baker asked himself 40 soul-searching questions which started a conversation in his heart and ultimately showed him more about God than He ever expected.

Can we become more honest with who we really are and find who God says He really is at the same time? Come indulge yourself in daily readings with an honest exploration of your secret fears and thoughts, and know that you will always be welcomed in God’s unconditional love.

Search me, O God … and know my anxious thoughts.

–Psalm 139:23 NIV

This is the kind of book that you want break into the bread of each day to find insights to great questions such as they are listed above as well as others.  Chapter after chapter c. d. baker offers up a fresh topic – 40 actually.  These topics are thought provoking and each chapter ends with a little food for thought as well a prayer that either came out of the Bible, or many times a prayer from another author which I really enjoyed.

The book is not overly preachy, instead peppered with modern stories, each chapter leads you through a question and some thoughts to take away.   Written in short 4 page chapters, this is something that you could read through while you have your morning coffee.  Each chapter asking the questions that we feel we shouldn’t be asking… but are so glad that someone did.  I think this book could be given to anyone at any level of Faith and they would find understanding within the pages.

This book should be read in 40 days.  I would recommend taking a chapter a day to breathe in the aroma of God’s words and really take those words to heart as you go through the 40 days, hopefully coming out the other side with a fresh perspective.  Even if you think daily devotional type books are not your thing, I think you would find this book to be different and interesting.  I plan on going through this book again starting the first of the year and doing just that.

Want to win this book?

Leave a comment here with your favorite kind of bread (I know… random right?) *you must answer the question to get in the giveaway!

Bonus entries

Tweet or blog about this giveaway and leave the link here in a separate comment for 2 extra entries!

Giveaway will end January 7

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Morning Meanderings…

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)11 Comments

In a word.  I am tired.

I could add more words…  Heavy hearted.  Excited.  Exhausted.  (I think I am too tired to think of words…LOL)

If you read yesterdays morning post you know that we spent the day with our oldest son Brad and then drove him to Fargo to catch his plane this morning to go to the Navy Boot Camp in Illinois.  On top of the fact that his birthday is this Wednesday, and or course not here for Christmas – the drive to Fargo is 2 1/2 hours in some pretty blah snowy weather.  The way home was slick and we pulled back into the yard around 11 pm.  I am tired and exhausted for those reasons.

I do want to let anyone know who has read The Heretics Daughter, or has it sitting on their shelf – we are doing a Word Shakers Book Group discussion on this book next Monday, December 21.  Anyone is welcome to join in this discussion and I hope to get questions out later today to those who I know are participating.  Drop ins to this discussion are welcome so feel free to join in and ask your questions as well.  🙂

As for me- I am going to read a little bit, relax – and try to start this day over in an hour or so.  I have a review going up in a little bit on 40 Loaves.

Brad and I - Navy Day

Secret Of The Christmas Box by Steven Hornby

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)16 Comments

With the scent of pine, and a rustle in the tree… this book is sure to open up a new window to the imagination… ~ Sheila

It’s a couple days before Christmas and the Ferguson’s have put the tree up and just settled into their beds for the night.   As the house becomes still there is a stir from the tree as the ornaments awake from their year long slumber.  The secrets of the Christmas Box unfold as Larry, a snowman ornament searches the tree for his brother Terrance.

The book comes alive with colorful characters which are largely played by the ornaments and the family actually are secondary characters.  Written from a unique perspective I enjoyed this middle grade (MG) read from the ornaments view.   I envision this to be a family read that can be pulled off the shelf and become a tradition each Christmas that the children could really enjoy – especially while decorating the tree.

Just this evening my son and I decorated our tree and as I brought each ornament out of box I was reminded of this book and it almost added a little something extra to this years tradition (I even insisted that all decorations went up this year and none were left in the box!)  I really enjoyed this read.

*One caution: The Secret Of The Christmas Box and what happened to Terrance could be a bit disturbing for a young child.  I would recommend that an adult read the book themselves and make a decision if this is right for the children they will be sharing this with.

Ornaments from my tree
Ornaments from my tree
Ornaments from my tree

I received my review copy from Partners Publishers Group

Morning Meanderings…

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)17 Comments

I need much coffee today.  My heart is a little heavy this morning and I know it will be a pretty weepy day (try as I will to not cry…) Today will be our last day to hang out with our 22 year old son Brad before he leaves for the Navy.  We are going to hang out today, maybe play some wii, take in a movie, dinner… and then we drive him to Fargo where he will get on a plane for boot camp and then off to Florida from there.

I am so proud of him, but of course sad for me.  Even last night as 19 year old Justin and I put the tree up I cried quietly as we put the ornaments in place.

So – in saying all that…. (*taking a big girl sigh and pulling myself together here*) I wont be on line much today.  However I do have a fascinating review popping up in a few hours so I hope you will take a look at that.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

In My Mailbox…

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)14 Comments

The mailbox was working over time this week.  I received some pretty exciting reads and I am super excited to share them here:

I received several audio books for review this week – which I am so excited about!  I have become a big audio fan since summer and these are going to be fantastic to listen to this winter:

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Hollywood Moon by Joseph Wambaugh

The Concise King Martin Luther King Jr

The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson

I, Alex Cross by James Patterson

The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley

Cleaving by Julie Powell

Books for review:

Penguin Luck by Kay Mupetson

The Green Bronze Mirror by Lynne Ellison

The One Day Way is a blog tour in January with a giveaway!

A Rainbow In The Night by Dominique Lapierre

I, Alex Cross by James Patterson

The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli

Horrid Henry’s Christmas by Francesca Simon

Mrs. Claus Explains It All by Elsbeth Claus

Wins and Surprises:

Pollen Ring Of Harmony by Williams came from a win at J Kaye’s Blog

The Recipe Club by Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel sent from my friend Esme just so I could enjoy this read!  (I know, so sweet right?)

Santa In A Stetson and Sugar Cookie Murder I received at my book club during our gift exchange

Poisoned Palms by Buckingham was part of my Santa swap and came from a great new blog for me -Hawaii Book Blog!

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown was a win from the Readathon  (my bad – I forgot I had won this and had bought a copy at Amazon…. I guess this may be a New Years Giveaway now that I have two….)

Books Purchased:

The Disreputable History Of Frankie Landau Banks by E. Lockhart was my purchase today at Barnes and Noble… I just couldnt leave empty handed and this looks really good.


So that’s what came in my home this week.  How about you?  Link up to this great meme at Kristi at Story Siren’s Blog… I would love to see what came in your mailbox!