Early June 2006

Welcoming the Coming of Summer

With this update of FaithfulReader.com we celebrate the past, the present and the future. We honor fathers for their contribution in and enrichment of the lives of their children, for their love, wisdom and support. Looking for the perfect gift to show dad how much he means to you? Take a look at the FaithfulReader.com Father's Day Roundup --- a list of books perfect for Dad to relax with as he celebrates his special day. Among these titles are heartwarming stories about the unique relationship between fathers and their children, spiritually enriching devotionals, and how-to's for becoming the best parent you can be, in addition to exciting and provocative novels and memoirs.

This time of year is a time of transition --- graduates are moving on into the world and children are continuing their journey toward adulthood. Both exciting and daunting, change can be overwhelming. Featured Faithful Fifteen interviewee Margaret Feinberg (who you may recognize as a regular FaithfulReader.com reviewer) addresses navigating the often tumultuous waters of change, in your twenties, thirties and forties in WHAT THE HECK AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY LIFE? It's designed as a resource to assist those in their tough decisions regarding what to do next --- professionally, relationally and spiritually. We are featuring Margaret's answers to the Faithful Fifteen, along with a review of the book.

We are also featuring answers to our Faithful Fifteen from Jack Cavanaugh. This former pastor-turned-writer has written a number of historical fiction novels and is the co-author of the Great Awakenings series. In this interview Cavanaugh describes his spiritual journey as a series of ongoing personal awakenings and explains how his calling to serve came first through preaching and now through writing.

In our poll and question we look ahead to summer reading, and ask you about the books you are looking forward to enjoying in the warm and sunny days to come.

Not sure what you want to read this summer? In our Awards feature we are honoring the nominees for both the 2006 Christy Awards and the 2006 Christian Book Awards --- you're bound to find inspiration among the selected titles.

With all the hustle and bustle of school ending and the kids coming home for the summer it can be easy to forget to stop, take a moment, and give thanks for the present, look ahead to the future and put a smile on the past.

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])
 

Jack Cavanaugh Answers the Faithful Fifteen

Former pastor-turned-writer Jack Cavanaugh has written a number of historical fiction novels and is the co-author of the Great Awakenings series. In this interview Cavanaugh describes his spiritual journey as a series of ongoing personal awakenings and explains how his calling to serve came first through preaching and now through writing. Read on to learn more about his interest in national revivals and how his prayers were answered by finding the opportunity to write about that subject matter with a colleague, Dr. Bill Bright.
 

Click here to read Jack Cavanaugh's answers to the Faithful Fifteen.

Margaret Feinberg Answers the Faithful Fifteen

Margaret Feinberg is a journalist and speaker, and has penned such books as TWENTYSOMETHING: Surviving & Thriving in the Real World, JUST MARRIED: What Might Surprise You About the First Few Years, GOD WHISPERS: Learning to Hear His Voice, and her latest offering, WHAT THE HECK AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY LIFE? In this interview, Feinberg describes writing as fulfilling her calling and encourages others to pursue what they've been called to do as their contribution to the Church. She also discusses how her spirituality has shifted over time, shares her spiritual and professional mentors, and reveals a cute family tradition.

WHAT THE HECK AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY LIFE? by Margaret Feinberg (Christian Living)
This practical, insightful guide will help readers discover what they were uniquely created to do. It's designed as a resource to assist those in their twenties, thirties and forties to navigate through some tough decisions regarding what to do next --- professionally, relationally and spiritually. Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel.

Click here to read Margaret Feinberg's answers to the Faithful Fifteen.

Father's Day Roundup 

The role of fatherhood is by no means limited to just head of the household; fathers act as guideposts for every facet of their children's lives, and we look to them for love, wisdom, support and comfort. We at FaithfulReader.com have put together a list of books perfect for Dad to relax with as he celebrates his special day. Among these titles are heartwarming stories about the unique relationship between fathers and their children, spiritually enriching devotionals, and how-to's for becoming the best parent you can be, in addition to exciting and provocative novels and memoirs.

Click here to read our roundup of Father's Day titles.

Now in Stores: HOUSE by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker

HOUSE: The Only Way Out Is In by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker (Suspense)Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker --- two of the most acclaimed writers of supernatural thrillers --- have joined forces for the first time to craft a story unlike any you've ever read. Enter HOUSE --- where you'll find yourself thrown into a killer's deadly game in which the only way to win is to lose...and the only way out is in. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Click here to read our review of HOUSE.

Now in Stores: SOMETHING THAT LASTS by James David Jordan

SOMETHING THAT LASTS by James David Jordan (Fiction)
During a crowded Sunday service at the O'Fallon Bible Church, Ted Balik reveals that Reverend David Parst --- beloved husband, father and pastor --- is having an affair with Mrs. Balik. His subsequent suicide plunges the reverend, his wife and their son into a struggle with God and one another that will span generations --- a struggle to find something that lasts beyond the rage, lies and fear. Reviewed by Terry Whalin.

-Click here to visit James David Jordan's website.

Click here to read our review of SOMETHING THAT LASTS.

The Christy Award and Christian Book Award Nominees

The Christy Advisory Board is pleased to announce nominees in seven categories for the 2006 Christy Awards honoring Christian fiction. The 7th annual Christy Awards will be presented on July 8th at the Denver Marriott City Center.

-Click here to read the nominees for the Christy Awards.

The Christian Book Awards, established by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association in 1978 as the Gold Medallion Book Awards, recognizes the absolute highest quality in Christian books. Based on excellence in a variety of criteria including literary quality, design, and significance of contribution, the Christian Book Awards are among the oldest and most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry.

-Click here to read the nominees for the Christian Book Awards.

Click here to read our Awards feature.

Faithful Fiction Reviews

THE ENGLISHER: Annies People #2 by Beverly Lewis (Fiction)
Annie Zook, the preacher's daughter, struggles to keep her promise to her father --- to abandon her art for a full six months. Will she succeed, only to succumb to another "forbidden" desire? And what would her father do if he discovered her friendship with a handsome Englisher? Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

TRISTAN'S GAP by Nancy Rue (Fiction)
For eighteen years Serena Soltanis has poured herself into her family, making every effort to please her husband and protect her children from the evils of the world. But then the unthinkable happens, as their 16-year-old daughter disappears --- and the search brings to light unpleasant truths that prompt Serena to question nearly everything she believes about her children, her marriage, and her faith. Reviewed by W. Terry Whalin.

ABIDE WITH ME by Elizabeth Strout (Fiction)
In West Annett, Maine, widower Reverend Tyler Caskey guards the townspeople's secrets as dearly as he shelters his own. Despite his faith, his life is disintegrating around him, bit by bit, abetted by his own congregation. All is lost. Is there any hope for redemption? Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

Christian Living Reviews

A LEGACY OF FAITH: Things I Learned from My Father by Ruth Graham with Stacy Mattingly (Inspirational)
Ruth Graham --- the third child and youngest daughter of Billy and Ruth Bell Graham --- reflects on several different subjects, including what it was like to have a world-famous, traveling evangelist as a dad and the lengths to which her parents went to give their children a normal upbringing. Reviewed by Margaret A. Feinberg.

LEAVING CHURCH: A Memoir of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor (Memoir)
Barbara Brown Taylor, a small-town Episcopal priest with a national reputation for great preaching, leaves "the pulpit" for a second career in teaching. Becoming part of the flock instead of the shepherd, she describes her poignant and sincere struggle to regain her footing in the world without her defining collar. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence

LEADING WITH A LIMP: Turning Your Struggles into Strengths by Dan B. Allender, Ph.D. (Christian Living/Leadership/Psychology)
In LEADING WITH A LIMP, you'll discover what makes flawed leaders so successful. They are not preoccupied with protecting their image, they are undaunted by chaos and complexity, and they are ready to risk failure in moving an organization from what is to what should be. God chooses leaders who aren't deceived by the myths of power and control, but who realize that God's power is found in brokenness. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

THE SEARCH FOR SATISFACTION: Looking for Something New Under the Sun by David H. McKinley (Christian Living)
We live in constant search mode looking for purpose and meaning, trying to find something, anything, that might satisfy the deep longings of our heart. Yet this search is nothing new. Even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, struggled with these same issues finding that everything in life was meaningless, a "chasing after the wind." Reviewed by Michele Howe.

SOUL VIRGINS: Refining Single Sexuality by Doug Rosenau and Michael Todd Wilson (Christian Life/Sexuality & Gender Studies)
Soul virgins are single people who seek to celebrate God's design for sexuality in themselves and others. With solid biblical principles, practical tips and candid discussions, SOUL VIRGINS can help you create a foundation for sexual wholeness you'll be happy to embrace at any stage of life. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Marriage and Family Life Review

RAISING KIDS FOR TRUE GREATNESS by Dr. Tim Kimmel (Parenting)
Sometimes greatness is measured by possessions or power. Yet true greatness is an internal evidence of attitudes and a heart known for humility, compassion, graciousness and enthusiasm. Author and speaker Dr. Tim Kimmel identifies the three most critical and life-changing decisions that will make the difference. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

New on Teenreads.com - Christian Titles for Teens

We are now featuring and reviewing Christian titles for teens on Teenreads.com. Our reviews include books from the TrueColors series, the Payton Skky series and the Laurel Shadrach series. Know a book-loving teen? Make sure they check out Teenreads.com.
 

Coming Soon on FaithfulReader.com

Wondering what books are just out, or coming out in the months ahead? Be sure to check out our Coming Soon section on FaithfulReader.com. We have titles from June thru August listed. Please note that we have not listed every book coming out, but rather some that caught our eye --- and that we thought should catch yours as well.

Do you keep lists of the books you want to read?

Yes
No

How many books are on that list right now?

More than 10
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
None

What percentage of the books on your list would be defined as "Christian" titles?

100%
75%
50%
25%
None

What book are you most looking forward to reading this summer?