Monday, April 27, 2009

"The Noticer" by Andy Andrews


"The Noticer" is one of those books that is so simple it is profound. The main character, Jones (not Mr. Jones, just Jones) changes the lives of everyone he meets by simply helping them to see things a little differently. Jones always appears at a choice moment and then is gone before you know leaving behind a new perspective that shines a new light on a problem and illuminates a path of greater understanding that leads to a better outcome.
The book was engaging and easy to read and left me feeling hopeful, thoughtful and encouraged. From the first paragraph I was convinced that this was a book I really needed to read. I was feeling discouraged and frustrated and realized right away that a new perspective could make a difference and it did. Jones was very mysterious and the reader is left with questions about exactly who he was supposed to be. But he was very much someone I would hope to meet and be glad to know. Perhaps I could be Jones to someone I know.
The characters that Jones meets and helps with his unique perspective were easily recognizable types the reader can identify with and thus profit from Jone's message. Many elements/lessons in the book were very familiar, but were pulled together in the book for a greater impact.
I am a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program http://brb.thomasnelson.com/. The program provides free books in exchange for posting blogs after reading them. Check it out at Thomasnelson.com

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Review of The Word of Promise Next Generation CEV New Testament

Thomas Nelson Publishing has created an excellent avenue for reaching today's tech savvy youth with their new dramatic audio version of the Children's English Version of the New Testament. Not only is the mp3 format easy to use and the text easy to understand, but they chose the actors that most young people know and love. The all-star cast includes:

  • Anna Sophia Robb

  • Corbin Bleu

  • Emily Osment

  • Cody Linley

  • Sean Astin

  • Jordin Sparks and

  • Marshall Allman

With book introductions by Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado.

The 75 minute "behind the scenes" DVD includes interviews with the stars. I found it very encouraging to hear the cast members describing their individual relationships with Christ. Each one spoke of the importance of being faithful to His Word and the value of dependence on God. Each one seemed genuinely thrilled to be working on a project with a strong spiritual value and potential to change lives. I hope that the project will have a powerful and long-lasting impact on their lives as they are in many ways the leaders and spokespersons for the next generation.

The quality of the product was excellent as well. The sound effects did not overpower the words but nicely complemented the text making it come to life and adding interest.