This is another great leadership book from John C. Maxwell. The assumption he makes is that everyone is talented, so the difference is what you do with your talent, and it takes more than just pure talent to be successful. Like most Maxwell books, he does a great job of illustrating each point with stories from history, sports, and American culture.

One of my favorite things about reading "Beyond Talent" is that similar to many books by Maxwell, he emphasizes the importance of character, teachability, and teamwork.  These are non-negotiables for any leader trying to maximize trying to reach success and maximize his influence.

This book is a good read, easy to work through with great quotes, stories, and one-liners. The pace is quick for each chapter, but the content is thorough and challenging. Each chapter concludes with reflection questions which make this book great for reading groups or mentoring young leaders.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Max Lucado shares answers to letters that he has received.  In the small questions and the hard ones, Max is gentle and encouraging.  I love the way he takes a practical approach to helping answer the issue at hand, but each response is rich with spiritual depth.  The letters are organized into the categories of Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter.  On a side note, I've wondered what will happen if we get to heaven one day and discover that God hates alliteration?

This book is one to read and make notations because the situations and questions that are brought up are very "real world."  And Max's answers are a great foundation for a conversation that you or I could share with a friend or neighbor who is facing the same thing.  He has a great way of taking big theological truths and making them applicable and understandable.  My favorite thing about this book is how the truth of the gospel and the things of God are presented in an approachable, non-threatening way.

Lucado's books are generally "easy to pick up and read" and this one fits that description too.  But like the last one I read and reviewed, it can be easy to read but harder to put into practice in life.  His pastor's heart and years of experience are combined here for another great book.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Everyone has heard of Billy Graham, and many have actually heard him speak.  In this book, I was able to dive into the life and experiences of the man who has been called "America's Pastor" for years.  His childhood and early influences were all a part of the plan God had for his life.  As you would expect to discover, he was just an "ordinary" kid who grew up in North Carolina, got an education, and was willing to follow God's direction for his life.

In his lifetime, Graham has influenced so many normal people in a positive way but he also had the chance to influence a number of important world leaders in a positive way also.  His conversations have been newsworthy and high-profile, but the true measure of the impact of Billy Graham can only be measured in heaven.

This book is very detailed and well-documented.  I love the way it takes the approach of using facts and stories to paint a complete picture of the influences that affected this man who influenced so many others.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity (Andy Andrews)

Andy Andrews continues the story of David Ponder with this latest book.  I was not sure if I would be able to just jump in without reading the first David Ponder book "The Traveler's Gift" but within the first couple of chapters, events lead the main character to review and summarize the seven decisions for personal success that he learned in the first book.  I was able to catch up on the backstory and get an idea about the info from the first book without actually reading it. 

Andrews does a wonderful job with the historical fiction conversations that happen between the different characters that span hundreds of years.  As in his previous book, there are several main characters (from King David (in the Bible) to Winston Churchill to Joan of Arc to George Washington Carver) who interact with David Ponder ... but unlike the first book, they are all together at the same table discussing the solution to finding the one principle that will save humanity.

I'm a fan of history books, but have only read a couple of historical-fiction type of books.  Others that I've read have been purely historical fiction or sci-fi related ... this was the first that I've read that was centered on Christianity.  The conversations were obviously made up, but they were fun and based on the facts that are knwn about the historical figures.  The author did his homework in order to represent each character with authenticity.  The conversations centered on virtues exemplified by each new character who enters.  The only down-side to the early conversations was the predictable way that you knew they wouldn't have a successful solution to the problem at hand. 

My favorite chapter was the chapter on Character when George Washington Carver was introduced.  There were several great quotes on the importance of a life lived with character, that I've saved to hang on to as good reminders for myself.  The over-arching theme that I took away from the book was that the circumstance doesn't make the man...it is character that makes the man.  Circumstances and historical context give opportunity for that character to show or to be tested ... but "great" men and women throughout history were not greater people than others.  Their circumstances merely revealed the character that was developing inside them.

In all, this book was a fun read that introduced me to some new facts about some historical figures ... and also introduced me to a couple of historical figures I've never heard of.  The message is challenging and inspiring.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

JE
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I bought this book myself, received no compensation or anything...just figured I would share what I thought. JE
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Lucado writes "Linchpin" equivalent for Christian life

In this book, Max Lucado really brings it.  The challenging, yet common sense approach in his writing reminds me of Seth Godin's book Linchpin.  Lucado's books are always inspiring, but this time he takes a walk through several passages from the book of Acts with small chapters that tackle basics of the Christian faith.

There are lots of books that ask Christians to act and talk like Jesus ... but this book helps me understand how to make a difference for eternity by opening my heart to those who aren't like me (Let God Unshell You), by showing hospitality (Open Your Door, Open Your Heart), by living a life of humble service (Do Good, Quietly), and by committing to prayer (Pray First, Pray Most).  These things aren't rocket science but as I read this book, I found myself considering each subject in a new way. 

For me, Outlive Your Life was a page-turner ... from the opening fable about Father Benjamin to the closing story about Mother Teresa.  I truly experienced a new conviction for living out my Christian faith.  Before I finished the book (it only took me a week) I was thinking about a re-read where I take it a chapter at a time and soak in more of the meaning through reflection or discussion with a mentor.  I was pleasantly surprised to find a discussion guide in the back of the book which makes it perfect for personal reflection or small-group discussions on each chapter.

Book Review: Outlive your Life by Max Lucado

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola is the best book I've picked up this year.  Reading this has confronted my worldview and actions ... because if Christ really is supreme in my life, then He will come up in my conversation, He will "leap out of my lifestyle" and He will "reverberate in my attitudes."  The authors hold no punches as they present the person of Christ as the Word of God and the only one who can or should have top billing in my life. 

This book was not presented as a nifty 5-step program or another way to learn how to be a good leader like Christ was .... It is just a book about Christ.

If we are courageous enough to be honest, we are all guilty of putting other things ahead of Christ.  But picking up this book is not a guilt trip, but rather it is an exploration into the Word of God, the person of Christ, the cross ... in a word: JESUS.  There is so much scripture and so many quotes from great Christian thinkers, writers, pastors, and influencers through history but the book never swerves from its laser-focused aim:  "restoring the supremacy and sovereignty of Jesus Christ."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”