Book Reviews

Posted: 6/22/07

Book Reviews

101 Amazing Truths about Jesus That You Probably Didn’t Know, by Mark Littleton (Howard Books)

Most of us know that Jesus was born of a virgin, died on a cross and rose three days later, but what about the things many Christians do not know? Did Jesus pay taxes? Was he an only child? Did he ever lose his temper? Did he like to have fun?

Mark Littleton answers these questions and more by taking an in-depth look at Jesus’ life.

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Using contemporary language and modern examples, Littleton makes Jesus’ life applicable to the average person. He uses Scripture references to back up his claims.

At the end of most of the truths, Littleton recaps and asks questions, forcing the reader to reflect on his or her own life. For this reason, 101 Amazing Truths about Jesus would make a great devotion for groups or individuals.

By knowing who Jesus really is and understanding how he lived, Littleton says, we not only will be encouraged to live a better life, but we also will deepen our relationship with him.

It is important to study Jesus, as Littleton notes, because “Who you say Jesus is, determines where you will spend eternity.”

Jessica Dooley

Communications Intern

Ardmore, Okla.

Perfecting Kate, by Tamara Leigh (Multnomah)

Katherine Mae Meadows narrates her own story in Tamara Leigh’s Perfecting Kate. The 30-something San Francisco artist longs to marry a fine Christian man. But after fiancé Christopher Stapleton dumps her because she couldn’t bear children, she resolves to happily embrace “singledom.”

Just when Kate seems content, she meets two attractive bachelors—neither of whom quite meets her Christian criteria. Michael Palmier, author of The Make-Up Bible, chooses Kate and her model-beautiful housemate for media-covered makeovers. Then Dr. Clive Alexander hires Kate to create a mural for the children’s burn unit. But Michael continues trying to make Kate over when they begin dating, and Clive can’t move past the tragic deaths of his wife and young son. Then the unhappily married Christopher re-enters her life. Even as Kate works on the mural and her male relationships, she struggles to work on her God relationship.

Not only does Tamara Leigh craft a suspenseful romance, she tackles the issues of infertility and self-esteem, raising the question, “Just how much should a woman change herself to please others, especially men?”

Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president

Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas

Waco

Now My Eye Sees You, by Greg Ammons (Hannibal Books)

Becoming a parent, particularly in later life, changes everything, especially the way one views daily life, family, commitments and relationships. Pastor Greg Ammons is living out these adjustments. And in this book, he is amazingly transparent in his confession of new understandings concerning a love he has just begun to comprehend.

This book will open new vistas of understanding concerning God’s workings with us and challenge our often ill-conceived perceptions of God the Father. To be sure, he loves us; but to what degree does he indulge us? How necessary is it for us to spend time with him? What are the benefits we gain in his presence, and what are the difficulties we encounter when we ignore him? How is our image of God sharper, more distinct when seen through the eyes of a little child? And how do we as parents become more like God when we relate to our children as he relates to us?

The book is engaging and delightful, uplifting and entertaining, never heavy or pedantic. Read it and be refreshed.

Gary L. Hearon

Executive director emeritus

Dallas Baptist Association

Dallas