Smashbomb

Sophia has a steely look in her eyes as she insists on renting an old house in the remote countryside. She gives the estate agent a little extra cash for no questions.

Kudos

Hazel (1853 KP) rated If I Could Ask God One Question in Books

Dec 14, 2018

This is a review of a soon to be published (April 2016) version of If I Could Ask God Just One Question

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review 

Whether you have been brought up in a Christian family or have made the decision to turn to God yourself, religion can still be very confusing. Greg Johnson has worked with teenagers for fifteen years and has compiled “80 Answers to teen’s most-asked questions.” Johnson’s aim with If I Could Ask God Just One Question is to aid the reader’s progress towards their goal of understanding the bible.

Johnson maintains that all answers to questions that matter can be found in the bible. He tries to prove this by answering each question firstly with a bible verse or passage, before explaining it in an informal, more relatable manner.

Presumably, the questions discussed are what teens have directly asked the author, or questions he has heard throughout his career. Many of the questions are generalized, such as how to become a better Christian, fears about being mocked in school, worries about sin and not going to heaven, and so forth. On the other hand there are a few deeper questions, for example why do bad things happen? These are not simple yes/no questions that can be stated as fact. Many of the answers are up for their own interpretation depending on the reader’s own circumstances. This may make things more confusing, however something may hit home and open their eyes in recognition of the Christian faith.

Although written informally and appropriately for teenagers, it is still obvious that this is an adult talking to someone considerably younger than himself. Johnson includes his own personal experiences, however they are slightly outdated compared with the issues modern-day teens may face, e.g. social media.

Johnson tries to make the Bible a less intimidating book. He suggests a chapter order to follow for those new to the Christian faith. The layout of If I Could Ask God Just One Question lets readers dip in and out, reading the answers to questions that relate to them or that they have thought of at some point themselves. It is probably not wise to read from front to back in one sitting, but instead to take the questions one at a time, analyzing the answers and relating them to personal experience. Note pages have been included for the reader to jot down any thoughts they have whilst reading.

Ultimately this book helps teenagers to feel less alone and overwhelmed with their newfound faith. Despite this there is nothing to stop older Christians from benefitting from it too. Everyone needs a reminder once in a while, and a nudge back onto the right path in order to continue living a humble, Christian lifestyle.

Kudos

Vegas (725 KP) rated Answer Me This! in Podcasts

Sep 6, 2018

Strange questions (2 more)

Informative

Banter between presenters

Laughing at their own comments (0 more)

Great on Commutes

If you have a long journey, download a selection of these and you are set to travel. There are a wide selection of bizarre, interesting, silly and practical questions, with enough humour and information to keep you occupied for your trip.

Sometimes they do laugh a little too much at their own remarks but as the show is so entertaining, this isn't too much of a problem and you just find yourself thinking "oh shut up" rather than getting annoyed with it...

Kudos

saheffernan (157 KP) rated A Spark Of Light in Books

Dec 26, 2018

A Spark Of Light

Jodi Picoult | 2018 | Contemporary, Crime

8.0

(14 Ratings)

Book Rating

Contains spoilers, click to show

3.5/5: I believe this was an important story to be told. I however did not like a few things about it. The starting at the end and counting backwards in the storyline was a bit difficult to get use to. I also felt as though she tried to write 2 different books and mashed them together, all the intertwining of lives seemed like a second story in the making. I don't like how unfinished the book was left. There were many questions I was left with not life pondering questions just unfinished story line because we wrote too much sub-plot.