THE FOURTH FISHERMAN By Joe Kissack

ABOUT THE BOOK

We each came to a moment of brokenness; what we found there was God. And he was enough.

 

It was the subject of headlines around the world: Three Mexican fishermen in a small open boat without any supplies, drifting for more than nine months and 5500 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Through blistering sun and threatening storms, they battle starvation, dehydration, hopelessness, and death. Their lifelines? An unwavering faith and a tattered Bible.

Thousands of miles away, Joe Kissack, a successful Hollywood executive, personified the American dream. He enjoyed the trappings of the good life: a mini mansion, sports cars, and more. He had it made. Yet the intense pressure of his driven and high-powered career sends him into a downward spiral, driving him deep into suicidal depression, insidious addictions, and alienation from his family. His lifelines? A friend and a Bible on the table between them.

Thoughtfully told with candor and humor, Kissack weaves together the incredible true voyage of fishermen adrift in the sea and his own life’s journey as a man lost in the world. It is a story that will buoy your spirit and renew your hope and faith.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joe Kissack is a speaker, author, screenwriter, film and television executive, publisher, and entrepreneur. His job descriptions cover a wide spectrum, from working on a farm and cleaning out refrigerated beef trucks to serving as a senior executive for Sony Pictures. His speaking engagements also vary, as he provides inspiration for charities, churches, and business conferences. Joe lives in Atlanta with Carmen, his wife of twenty-six years, and their two daughters.

JOE KISSACK'S WEBSITE: http://www.thefourthfisherman.com/

WATCH JOE'S VIDEO: http://www.thefourthfisherman.com/the-fourth-fisherman/video.html?view=featured

Here are a couple of websites about the fishermen: 

www.msnbc.com/id/14410580/ns/world_news-americas/t/fishermen-we-never-gave-hope-be-saved

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/lost.fishermen.survived.thanks.to.fish.and.faith/7340.htm

 

MY REVIEW

I read The Fourth Fisherman a couple of times. Not because I had a hard time with the book, but because there was so much truth in it, that I didn't want to miss a single point.

This is an extremely well-written, honest story about Joe, how he was lost on the inside; and three fishermen who were lost on the outside. How does that make sense? The three fishermen had faith in God though they were lost at sea and Joe had a life most people would have been envious and he was lost without any faith.

I found the intertwining of what could have been two separate stories to be on spot. He is very open about his various addictions before he submitted his life to Jesus. He bares his life and heart to everyone and then shows them how he was changed by faith in Jesus. Throughout this revealing story about a successful man falling, he tells the story of the three Mexican fishermen who were lost and how they survived all those months at sea.

There is so much more I want to say about this book. However, I believe it would be best for you to read it for yourself. You won't be disappointed and you may find yourself reading it a time or two more.

It is an emotionally packed, true story about real people and real events.

This review was made possible through Blogging for Books and abovethetreeline.com by freely providing me with a review e-book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

MOTHER OF PEARL: Luminous Lessons and Iridescent Faith Compiled by Margaret McSweeney

ABOUT THE BOOK

Like oysters, women often encounter unexpected grit during their everyday lives. In response, God’s love and grace covers this grit and transforms the pain into a precious pearl that leaves a layered, luminous lining within a shell: Mother of Pearl. This brilliant luster is strong, lasting, and purposeful—just like the love, lessons, and legacies left by the special women in our lives.

Mother of Pearl celebrates the collective iridescence of motherhood. Margaret McSweeney presents a collection of heartfelt vignettes from authors who communicate the importance of the unique relationships between mothers and their children, between granddaughters and grandmothers and between children and the mother-figures in their lives.

These stories tell of the power of faith, prayer, and values, exploring coming of age, the joy of becoming a mother, the importance of motherhood, the ways to heal from a bad relationship with a mother and weathering the death of a special loved one. Poignant and thought-provoking, the stories serve to inspire, encourage, instill hope, and strengthen faith.

The proceeds from the sale of Mother of Pearl will be donated to organizations helping struggling women and children. The charities include Wings (Women in Need Growing Stronger) to help fund the Safe House in the Chicago suburbs and to Hands of Hope to help build wells for schoolchildren in Zambia.

LINK TO BY THE BOOK http://ow.ly/cTZAg

ABOUT MARGARET

Margaret McSweeney is a well-published author often writing online articles for Make It Better (the former North Shore Magazine) and freelance articles for the Daily Herald, the largest suburban Chicago newspaper. In addition, she has authored and compiled several books including A Mother’s Heart Knows; Go Back and Be Happy; Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, Mother of Pearl and Aftermath.

With a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in international business, Margaret became a vice-president in the corporate finance division of a New York City bank and worked there 1986–93.

As founder of Pearl Girls, Margaret collaborates with other writers on projects to help fund a safe house for WINGS, an organization that helps women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, and to build wells for schoolchildren in Uganda through Hands of Hope. For the past 10 years she has served on the board of directors and leadership advisory board for WINGS. Margaret lives with her husband and 2 daughters in the Chicago suburbs. www.pearlgirls.info

READ MORE REVIEWS http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13531423/motherofpearl

MY REVIEW

I am always happy to read something Margaret has written or compiled. She has a wonderful, God-given talent to point, direct and lead her readers to the Author and Finisher of our faith, Christ Jesus.

Can I say I loved this book? Is that over the top? Okay, maybe a little over the top. But I really do like this book a lot. There is a story in here for every woman to connect with, whether she is a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or just herself.

If I counted right, there are 57 (that's fifty-seven) wonderful short stories from 57 different women of God who come from all walks of life. Singers, authors, speakers, well, you get the idea. They all share a vignette... 

(ok, I had to look up this word and here is the definition:[ vignette is a short impressionistic scene that focuses on one moment or gives a trenchant impression about a character, an idea, or a setting and sometimes an object.] many times I have to thank the Free Dictionary online)... 

that comes from their hearts and life impressions regarding relationships between mothers and daughters and grandmothers and mother-figures and all the precious things that make those relationships special.

I especially liked the grandmother stories, being a grandmother, myself. Oh how I remember the first time I held my first grandchild.... 

Anyway, this is a great book to buy for yourself or the mother/daughter/grandmother in your life. It could be a "just because" you were thinking about them gift and you wanted to bring some of the sweet love of God in their life through these marvelous stories. And you would also be helping other women and children because the proceeds will help fund some great charities.

Buy this book today and bless someone tomorrow.

This review was made possible through Litfuse Publicity Group by providing me with a free review copy.

   

GOD KNOWS YOUR NAME By Catherine Campbell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Contemporary and biblical stories offer hope to those struggling with rejection

  For many people the idea that God likes us as individuals, just as we are, is often an unfamiliar concept, while rejection--by a partner, one's parents, an employer, or friends--is a fact of life.

This book encourages readers to embrace the truth of a personal God with whom we do not need to struggle to gain recognition, a God who intervenes and acts on our behalf, a God who knows our names!

Each of the six chapters contains two stories dealing with situations of rejection. The first story concerns an individual from the Bible, explaining how God stepped in to change his or her situation, thus revealing how important the individual was to him.

The second, connecting story tells of a present day individual in similar circumstances and how God again positively intervened. These are true stories, using carefully researched material for authenticity and accuracy, and told with remarkable power and conviction.

Read an excerpt here http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bOIOIYb-I_-aC0ySCz6d_Pk32Twfk-bdAyYndS6--B4AXAY_CpX2ge1iWjQAdMhb-dlLgws_2lRVUZ-7UAxTUTY3tiIbVIwicjzW5dweyM9OmleK1qqe3yaFRSkbDZ5_TyxA2nbTs6rzNzg831tJfwZE6Iq-gXRhRwzPaE_l6OA=

Want to know about Catherine Campbell? View her video! http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bOIOIYb-I_8vrmuNH-42Ks4xmy5eihAxDUSfoeIoiZ2BUAjBGzviKvmQVdqwr1rrBMU4bUXILJy8l5tMgsK5X_YaDB06VOKMwAO0iJWnnoyRYriVnP3x6Q==

Be sure to go to Catherine's website and Facebook page! 
Website: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bOIOIYb-I_888j2UEywc85lUA-oXh1TUtZseugmDEpWZf2PacQatPrpTWoqKOG1wZ3yO3D2A9jo5MfSq4rB56mxuIYy7mOIDHJ0IT34XcoW8HT_FO91khyRW2TSHgqkX 

Facebook page: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bOIOIYb-I__FTtdm8y2qMtK1Pjid62t9b5ePXinsUITCEOAHGjiTeBm3BbDeXIDJXeR4qXOlqUQA9uQfVPFN8aLiNzwl2QO6FbZUNWXmyXcRVh173_5AOSuS09fHspNQ9qXOzuVaSNiX700jqyEYtQ== 

MY REVIEW

I feel reviewing books is a blessing not only for me but also for the author who took the time and effort to write a book on a subject that will interest someone out there in reader-land, and because of my review and the reviews of my fellow reviewers, that book is bought by many people.

Reviewing books is also a blessing especially for new authors with a voice that wants to be heard. So I get to "hear" what they are saying and pass it on to you. 

Having said that, I have to say Catherine Campbell has written an outstanding book. God Knows Your Name: In a world of rejection, He knows you, is timely, timeless, and beautiful.

Many, many times I had tears streaming down my face as I was reading this very moving book. Oh how she brought to life those stories we read in the Bible: Hagar, the man healed of leprosy, the woman with the issue of blood and more.   

Catherine combines a biblical character story with a contemporary story to reveal to us that no matter what others think about us, say about us, or even treat us, God knows our name and we are priceless to Him.

It doesn't matter if someone is born as a Dalit, or is merely a slave who must do their mistress's bidding, God knows our name. How transforming is that phrase when you think about it. 

We live with so much rejection, yet, God is there, waiting for us, calling us by name, and Catherine has captured the Father heart of God with each portrait she has painted with her words.

This book will bring you to your knees in gratitude, reverence, and humbled before the One who knew each one of us before the before the foundations of the earth was laid. 

This review was made possible by Kregel Publications. They provided me with a free review copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. 

 

  

WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! By Tim Clark

 Kansas City, MO - May 24, 2011- Athlete Tim Clark has releases his inspirational memoir With God All Things Are Possible!

Tim Clark was born with one arm and no legs, but this did not stop him from leading an extraordinary life. The youngest of four children, his parents and his siblings never treated him differently, and with the support of his family and his own fiercely competitive nature, he managed to become a varsity wrestler at his high school. He then went on to graduate from the University of Kansas, where he wrestled on the K.U. Wrestling Club and was introduced to the sport of table tennis. Tim began to play table tennis competitively, and later went on to place second in the United States for the Standing Disabled Doubles Table Tennis National Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After graduating from University of Kansas with a degree in business, Tim joined the workforce. This opened a whole new world of competition to him by way of the Kansas City Corporate Challenge, or the KCCC. This is an annual event that allows companies to put up their best competitors in different sports events to see who comes out on top. Tim excelled at table tennis going 56-7, winning gold in many events and eventually winning the prestigious KCCC Alex George Award after an amazing 50 yard freestyle swim in just 45 seconds! His competitive nature also drove him to run a 10K without his prosthetics, completing the run in less than an hour and a half. 

With God All Things Are Possible! is a story of a man whose achievements are remarkable by any standard, and particularly amazing in light of the disabilities Tim Clark refused to allow to stand in his way. Tim's attitude is the most commendable thing about the story; his steadfast faith and his drive to not just do well for a disabled man but to compete as an athlete are inspirational to all. Readers will find themselves cheering for Tim, and in awe of his fierce drive. The back of the book also includes quotes from former K.U. and NBA basketball star Danny Manning and Time Warner Cable's Metro Sports Dave Stewart. This is Tim Clark's first book; Tim lives in Kansas City, and works as an accountant for DST Systems.

When I received a notification about this book, I decided right away it was a book I wanted to read. I enjoy reading about other people and how they overcome various obstacles. Tim Clark faces obstacles on a daily basis that I can't hardly imagine. However, his complete outlook on life in general and his own personal life is an absolute testimony to Jesus Christ. 

Tim is very real and open in regards to his life's achievements and disappointments. Not once does he show pity for himself or for his disabilities. He will admit to moments of feeling sorry for himself but then he looks upon all that God has done for him and says God is Sovereign and He has a reason for everything.

Throughout the book I read about Tim's heroes and people who have been a big influence in his life. This includes various coaches, sports figures and Joni Eareckson Tada (she's one of my heroes, also). 

Tim was blessed with a competitive drive that would be used to help him become an outstanding athlete in not just one, but several different sports; including the 10k run that's featured on the cover of his book.

Because of his competitiveness and athletic abilities, Tim also helped the company that he works with gain recognition in the KCCC. (The Kansas City Corporate Challenge.) Several large companies get together every year and compete in various sports to determine who is the best, as well as strengthen friendships and businesses. It sounds like a grand time to me!

I have to say, though, the most important aspect of the book and Tim's life, is his belief and trust in Jesus. He writes about some of his favorite passages from the Bible and how with each new challenge he turns to the Lord for strength and courage. 

This is a wonderful book and it's definitely one I am glad I had the opportunity to read. I would encourage everyone to buy one and read it, today.

About the book:

With God All Things Are Possible! By Tim Clark

ISBN: 978-1457502224

Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing

Date of publish: March 21, 2011

Pages: 192

S.R.P.: $14.95

For further information: With God All Things Are Possible, or at  Tim Clark Inspires

This book was provided freely to me for the purpose of review by Tim Clark. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. 

RECIPES FOR A BEAUTIFUL LIFE By Julie Keye and Madaline Hall

 RECIPES FOR A BEAUTIFUL LIFE by Julie Keye and Madaline Hall is the perfect book for that special lady, whether she be your mother, sister, aunt, best friend, even your co-worker.


This book is full of beautiful pictures that will make you ooohhh and ahhhhh and even chuckle and maybe sniffle a bit as they bring back memories of places you might have been or just an old memory of a child or family member.


Recipes For A Beautiful Life is another example of self-publishing. Julie and Madaline put together the book with the help of www.booksurge.com who has now merged with www.createspace.com, a subdivision of Amazon.com. (Engaging Thoughts was self-published through www.createspace.com).

Recipes For A Beautiful Life treats the reader with wonderful pictures accompanied with verses from the Bible (primarily Psalms and Proverbs). In Part 2 of the book there are home recipes for beauty treatments for that lovely lady in your life. I haven't had an opportunity to try any yet, but I intend to as soon as I get the moment!


Here is a little about the authors, Madaline Hall and Julie Keye.....


Madaline Hall was born and raised in New York City. She married and has two children. She entered the business community as an insurance broker working for a major company and was co-owner for Crafty Concepts, a craft business.


Her avocation for years has been her interest in all things literary. She currently lives on Long Island, New York and is dedicated to photography and writing inspirational works.


Julie Keye was born and grew up in New York City. She entered the film industry as an editor, working on many feature films. She married and has a daughter who served as a missionary in Japan.


In recent years, residing in California, she has written children's stories and film scripts, and most recently, collaborated with her childhood friend, Ms. Hall, on books with inspirational reach.


They met when they were eleven years of age and have been friends ever since. They feel truly blessed to enjoy a great friendship, and to have found God in their lives.


Recipes For a Beautiful Life can be purchased through Amazon.com at a reasonable price. This will make a real nice gift for Christmas or any other special occasion.


This book was graciously given to me by the authors, for review purposes. I am under no obligation to provide a positive review. But I am happy to have been able to do so. May the Lord bless Julie and Madaline for this lovely book.

ENGAGING THOUGHTS: Inspirational Expressions to Motivate Your Day by Hubert Darnell Glover, Ph.D



Greetings to all of you! Today I am posting my review of a wonderful book of poetry titled “Engaging Thoughts” written by Dr. Hubert Darnell Glover. I am also posting my interview with him. So sit back, relax, and enjoy!

First a little bit about the book:


Engaging Thoughts: Inspirational Expressions to Motivate Your Day is a book of poetry that anyone reading it can relate to. Each poem is joined with a verse from the Bible, giving the reader a word of encouragement.


There are many poems in the book that touched my heart and there is one in particular that I could certainly relate to. It's called “The Wrong Button.” It's about choices we make and where they lead us when we make them from our own decisions and not relying on God. But there is hope at the end! You will have to read it for yourself to find out the ending.


This book of poetry is one that would be a nice gift for someone you want to encourage, or even for yourself. Dr. Glover is a fine poet and anyone who appreciates poetry will appreciate this particular work.


This is a review that was written in Philadelphia:


Philadelphia, PA - Sep 20, 2010 - Engaging Thoughts by Dr. Hubert Darnell Glover is a
compendium of short poems based on the theme of Christian service and love for one's fellow man.

According to Dr. Glover, everyone needs occasional reminders of how blessed they are and what kinds of actions they should take to improve their lives. With that in mind, he offers a collection of original poetry inspired by scripture and focused on the Christian principles of love, perseverance, forgiveness, humility and more. Each poem is intended to evoke memories of experiences and events that will spark reflection and deeper understanding in the reader. Throughout the book, selected passages from the Bible are featured to underline key messages and reinforce the spiritual theme.

"The challenges the world faces from economics, politics, healthcare, education and more are demanding and we need positive mechanisms and support to drive us to conquer these challenges,"

Dr. Glover says. "I wanted to share something that would make a difference in the lives of others and I pray this work inspires, soothes, comforts and supports anyone who reads these poems."

Intended to cause personal reflection, the book is divided in to three themed sections. In "Reflection and Instruction," Dr. Glover urges readers to consider their circumstances and actions. "Praise and Admiration" features poems that direct readers to consider God and their relationship with the divine. Finally, the "Encouragement" section offers verses intended to inspire readers to move forward and face the challenges in their lives.


Here is a little of his bio:

Dr. Hubert Darnell Glover is president and co-founder of REDE Inc., an information technology
consulting firm that provides services and support to federal agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Commerce.


To see what Dr. Glover and I talked about today, go to my Interviews page and enjoy reading it for yourself.
 



LaTawnia Kintz

The Treasure of God's Word: Celebrating 400 Years of the King James Bible

For those of you who are wondering what to get that special person in your family for Christmas or birthday, I have found just the thing.


The Treasure of God's Word: Celebrating 400 Years of the King James Version is an absolutely beautiful little book. The picture doesn't do it justice. Between the leather-bound covers are gold-gilt pages full of the history of the King James Bible and topical scriptures.


"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3 King James Version


This is just one of the many verses you will find in this little treasure of a book.


Jack Countryman complied together some wonderful history of the King James Bible along with many verses in the King James version. And if you are like me, who grew up with King James, you know what a beautiful version it is. 


Jack Countryman did a beautiful job of putting together the history for the average person to read. It's just enough to give a presentable background with some information that might not be known to everyone. Let me give you an example:

Many families could afford only one book - a Bible- and for many years this was the only English translation of the Bible available. Generations of young people learned to read from the words they found in the King James Version. Many memorized biblical passages and found that their written and spoken English was shaped by the language and imagery of the Bible. Foremost readers, it was regarded as their social, economic, political and spiritual text...(p112)

...Beyond that, David Simpson, a member of the British Parliament, said regarding the 400th  anniversary of this translation, "It is not only our literature and language that has been influenced by the King James version. It has had an extraordinary and beneficial influence upon political and constitutional affairs. It was the Bible of Milton and of the Protectorate; later, it was the Bible of the Glorious Revolution, which gave us a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. It was the Bible of Whitefield and the Wesleys that saved this realm from the brutality and blood of the French Revolution. It was the Bible carried by the founding fathers of the United States that helped to forge that land and give the world that great democratic powerhouse." (pp113-114)

The paper used for this wonderful book is a nice heavy, smooth paper that has a mottled appearance. It has an almost old-paper look about it. The print is easy to read, nice large lettering. In the front of the book is a presentation page that can be filled out if it's to be given as a gift. 


Here is another verse from the book. This one is in the "Bearing Fruit" section: 

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16

This wonderful book would be a great gift for anyone; especially if the receiver has never read the Bible in the King James version. Now, you may wonder why I say that. It's because in spite of all of the new translations out there today, not one of them convey the imagery, the flowering phraseology, and beauty of the English language as the King James Version does. This book makes me want to go grab my King James Version Bible and read it from cover to cover. It brings back the memories of sitting in church on Sunday mornings and listening and reading along with my Pastor as he read the morning text. In reading this book I sense the presence of the translators and the Holy Spirit guiding them through each word and verse so the English people would have a solid translation of God's Holy Word to read, study, fall in love with, and be formed by.

This truly is a beautiful book and would make a lovely gift. I think that who ever receives it will be much appreciative of it and very thankful to the giver.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson to review with no obligation for a positive review. This review is of my own opinion and in no way influenced by BookSneeze or Thomas Nelson.