Saving Casper by Jim Henderson and Matt Casper

General Analysis

Book Title: Saving Casper

Authors: Jim Henderson and Matt Casper

Publish Date: September 20, 2013

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Plot:  The book was written by both Jim Henderson and Matt Casper. Jim Henderson is a former pastor and Matt Casper is an athiest. They traveled to different churches together in order for Casper to share his view on different churches. It is interesting to hear an atheist's perspective about how effective Christians are at converting non-Christians. The book also discusses how effective we, as Christians, are at doing as Jesus did and serving others.

Source of Book: I received a copy of this book for review from Tyndale House Publishers.

In Depth Analysis

I learned a lot from this book; it really changed how I think. The book points out that it is important to befriend non-Christians and to serve others. We should show others the love of Christ and connect with people and not just try to convert them. It also showed that atheists do not always believe that religion makes the world a worse place.  Casper believes that if everyone truly acted like Jesus that the world would be a better place.  As a Christian, the book made a lot of sense and seemed to be accurate to what I believe Jesus was trying to tell us while He was on earth.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: This book does not have any material in it that would not be appropriate for young audiences, but I believe that the book is geared towards an adult audience.

Overall Rating: 5/5

Future Reviews and Reads

I hope to finish Forgiveness by Matthew West soon.  I am currently reading Rippler by Cidney Swanson.  This is a young adult fantasy novel about a girl who finds out she had a genetic disorder that allows her to ripple (to disappear spontaneously).  I got this book free from amazon for my Kindle.  I hope to begin The Why of Things by Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop and Do What Jesus Did by Robby Dawkins very soon.  I received both of those books in FirstReads giveaways on Goodreads.

The Reason by William Sirls

General Analysis

Book Title: The Reason

Author: William Sirls

Publish Date: September 4, 2012

Genre: Christian Fiction, Inspirational, Contemporary

Plot:  Lightening hits a cross outside of a church that cannot afford to fix it.  Alex, a young boy and member of this church, is diagnosed with leukemia.  Although bad things are happening all around them, the characters in this book are reminded again and again to "only believe" and God will do what He does best: take care of things.

Why I Read this Book: I had been wanted to read this book for about a year now and I was blessed to have received a copy as part of a giveaway (from the author) in a GoodReads group, Christian Fiction Devourers about a month ago.  I received two personalized signed copies, one for me and one for a friend.

In Depth Analysis

I really loved this book!  The overall theme of the book was to trust in God. This theme was expressed since the beginning pages of the book.  The book also reminded me that God wants to be an active part of our lives and wants to have constant communication with us.  He wants us to fall to Him when we are in need and to trust in Him even when it seems that He is not here.  I am encouraged to just believe and let God take care of everything.

The book was not only encouraging, but also a fast-paced, exciting read.  There was not a dull moment throughout the book.  I have to admit there where a few tears shed, but I was left with a reminder of how great God is.  I love how this book is telling a fictional story for entertainment, yet the story leads you to focus not on the characters but on God and His magnificence.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: I would recommend this book to ages 15 and up due to mature, real-life situations (alcohol, depression, ect.).  It is a clean book, but some situations in the book may be too emotionally tough for younger audiences to be able to handle.

Overall Rating: 5/5