Two New Inspirational Reads

By Faith, Not By Sight: The Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threatening Illness, & an Unexpected Gift

by Scott MacIntyre

with Jennifer Schuchmann

© 2012

Thomas Nelson

 

This is a beautiful autobiography of one young man’s incredible life experience. Scott MacIntyre and Jennifer Schuchmann take readers on a journey through the ups-and-downs of Scott’s life – including being born blind, facing a major health condition, and being gifted with the talents of playing piano (by ear) and creating his own music and even a stint on American Idol. Through it all, Scott and his family have turned to God for love, protection, and most of all, hope. Told in semi-short chapters (8 pages or so) with subsections in each, the book is an easy read. I related to the story on many levels and feel that each person in their own way will gain something from reading this deeply moving and inspirational book.

 

Tags: God, inspiration, illness, piano, music, artist, blindness, family, American Idol, faith

 

 

The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am I Here For? - Expanded Edition

by Dr. Rick Warren

© 2002, 2011, 2012

Zondervan

 

 

Since its original publication in the early 2000s, The Purpose Driven Life has guided those on a quest to discover their true purpose. Readers worked through 40 days of insights and exercises with five overriding purposes to become closer to God and thus understand their own purpose more distinctly. This concept holds true for the expanded edition, with a unique exception, the new bonus features, which deliver a more in-depth experience.

 

The re-release of this hugely popular non-fiction title is anything but run-of-the-mill. Readers will be drawn in immediately by the gorgeous black and white cover with pops of color – including bright red inside cover pages, which encourage an exciting journey ahead. After the table of contents, a quick section on “Getting the Most from This Book” offers tips and insights on completing the 40-day plan, the biblical significance of the timeframe, and how to engage with the features in each chapter for an ideal outcome. Warren then explains the new edition in another brief chapter and readers/participants are asked to sign a personal covenant dedicating themselves to the process.

 

The bonus features really take this to the next level – with two extra days of lessons for a total of 42, daily QR codes featuring audio messages that expand the messages (40-50 minutes each), and even some QR-coded video messages. Finally, discussion questions, resources, and research notes round-out the updated book. For those searching for their true purpose and even those who believe they’ve already found it, this re-tooled version of The Purpose Driven Life has something for everyone. We can always grow closer in our relationship with God and others and get deeper insight into who we are and why we were created.

Tags: purpose, God, inspiration, life plan, earth, transformation, acceptance, faith, hope, future, living, love

 

* The images contained herein have been used FOR REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY.

 

* These views are my completely my own.

 

* As a member of BookSneeze.com, I had the ability to select titles that I had an interest in reading and reviewing. These two titles were ones that selected this month.