Christian Books — michellependergrass.com

January 10, 2012 By Michelle Pendergrass

I’ve already discovered why I will love reading the Chronological Bible reading plan. A couple days into reading and I’m already in the book of Job. I think I get bogged down reading the same thing in the same order all the time and this mix up has done wonders for my mind.

And how do I like the Common English Bible so far? It’s really not noticeable–which is a good thing!! When I start reading, I read straight through without having to re-read sentences or words, which means I don’t get distracted and I read and retain better.
If you’d like to try the Common English Bible, we’re giving away one a week in January.

Comment and tell me your preferred version of the Bible. I’ll pick a random reader (one per week) and the people behind the CEB will send you one. If you’ve never had a Bible and would like to start with this one, let me know in the comments and you’ll automatically be the chosen one

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Filed Under: books, Christian Books, Uncategorized

August 30, 2010 By Michelle Pendergrass 8 Comments

Alternately titled, Christian Fiction is the White Castle of books.

Three men took a road trip to a conference in Ohio. One saw White Castle and HAD to have some. One did not know about the burger joint. One warned strongly against the consumption of said burgers.

Brian Hatcher, like me, has a strong aversion to White Castle sliders. He’s vehemently against their very existence and is absolutely right when he says they’ll rot your insides.

Eugene Johnson, however, loves them. 10 in 10 minutes. Even if they do give him a writhing belly ache after. Even if they do, indeed, rot his guts.

Michael Knost had never had a White Castle burger and ordered breaded clam strips from the drive-through instead. And was quite appalled to think Eugene would order 10 burgers!

Later, Brian went on to explain that he wasn’t against the mini-burger genre, it just wasn’t very well done as far as mini-burgers go. To prove his point, he ordered mini-burgers at the Winking Lizard.

To prove my point, let’s just say, I’m not against Christian fiction. I just want a better burger. I don’t want a burger that pretends to be on the cutting edge of burgers. Just like I don’t want Christian fiction labeled “edgy.”

Mike Duran tackled some questions around this word, this Edgy thing. Mike says

To my wife, a steak with any trace of pink in it is “raw.” To me, the bloodier the better. Likewise, to some readers of Christian fiction, any trace of language or sex is “edgy.” But to me, if it’s not “raw,” it’s over-cooked.

The problem is not with the term “edgy” Christian fiction. I think it is more of an internal problem with some of the Christians. Especially the ones who want to dictate and control the moral compass of the general population of other Christians.

The difference I’m beginning to see when I compare CBA and “secular” fiction is that CBA is so enmeshed that for whatever reason one sub-genre cares (and is vocally loud and brash) about what another sub-genre is doing. When I go to a horror conference (just got back from one) there aren’t Harlequin writers there telling me the stories we print are too disturbing, scary, bloody, deliquent. And I’m not going to an RWA conference telling them they’re selling smutty, fru-fru, girly crap.

I can’t help but laugh at the thought.

Can you see it at a horror con? ”Psssst…hey you, yeah. You. Come over here. We’ve got some edgy horror fiction here for ya. Y’wanna try some?”

Or maybe in the general fiction market. Boy that Cormac McCarthy was edgy writing about the dark and dreary post-apocalyptic world.

It’s just silly.

And it’s an oxymoron.

You can’t write within the confines of the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) and write anything at all that can be considered “edgy” (The guy’s haircut on the front page of the blog lends to the stereotype. Great job guys!!)

You can’t do it because Christian fiction is not at the forefront of anything. Except maybe Amish stories. And really, if you want to be at the forefront of such arcane nonsense? More power to ya.

I would like the world a lot more if the overseers would change the label “Christian fiction” to “G” fiction. Let’s be realistic here, it’s not even PG.

So instead of heading to the bookstore to find the shelves lined with genres, I’d rather them look a little more like my local Blockbuster. “Action/Adventure” or “Horror” or “New Releases” so that I can pick up a book and just decide for myself what I want to read. Sheesh, people all over the place are doing these book trailers. Why not just go all the way?

When I eat, I don’t choose White Castle. Though many people do. But let’s call a spade a spade. White Castle is not anything close to a burger made from a grass-fed, organic, fresh butchered side of beef, cooked on a charcoal grill, with slices of still-warm-off-the-vine tomatoes from the garden.

Just like Christian fiction isn’t edgy. At least this brand of fiction churned out by the CBA houses is not edgy.

* * *

Eric Wilson challenges: Is it Time for Christian Fiction to Die?

* * *

Want to read some stories with sustenance? Stories that make you think? That bend the rules by asking questions others are too timid to ask? Stories that leave you with more questions than when you started? But also, stories that come from a Christian worldview?

Start with these two.

This is My Blood by David Naill Wilson

Silent Graves by Gary Braunbeck

* * *

The bottom line is that I saw years ago that the CBA wasn’t for me. Specifically when I signed up for the ACFW conference in 2006 and said I was a horror writer and they labeled me a thriller. Since then I have kept in touch with my CBA friends, but have set out to make sure I was putting my money where my mouth was.

If we want to change things, we have to move forward. So the CBA doesn’t publish stuff I like. Guess who publishes stuff I like now? That’s right. Me. And of course, in the “secular” market you can find tons of books written from a Christian worldview. I don’t need the CBA for fiction.

People will either lead or follow.

I choose to lead.

Filed Under: Christian Books, Horror, Uncategorized

March 26, 2010 By Michelle Pendergrass Leave a Comment

485 Be Authentic bk cover I’m posting the press release for this rather than a review because I haven’t made it to the end. My thoughts so far? Good.

Here’s a nice little taste:

Our English word authentic comes from a Greek word that means “original as opposed to a copy.” Authentic people are people with direct, firsthand experience, people who make mistakes but don’t accept any mistake as final. They’re pioneers, not settlers, and they don’t blindly and blandly follow the crowd but prefer to follow that “different drummer” whom Henry David Thoreau wrote about in Walden.

Why study these authentic men? Because we live in a world of pseudosaints and artificial heroes, many of whom are manufactured by the media and puffed by the promoters. The only thing some well-known Christians are known for is they’re well known. Apart from that, there’s nothing distinctive about them. They belong to the herd.

God is looking for authentic people who will dare to have firsthand spiritual experiences in life and not settle for the secondhand imitations that are promised if you listen to the right seminars, watch the right videos, and attend the right meetings.

“When people are free to do as they please,” wrote Eric Hofer, “they usually imitate each other.” For proof, check out any generation of teenagers, college students, or business leaders. Not so with authentic people. They struggle through life and let God make them the special individuals He planned for them to be. Eccentrics are painfully odd, and they repel us; individuals are creatively different, and they attract us.

A New Look at the legendary insights of Dr. Warren Wiersbe

David C Cook releases revised editions of

Dr. Wiersbe’s trusted Bible commentaries—the “BE” Series

As pastors seek to make the Word of God more understandable in an age that is unfamiliar with the Bible and as growing disciples seek to discover the truth of Scripture in a skeptical culture, there is a great need for guidance in both the preaching and study of God’s Word. Whether you’re a pastor, a seminary student or a truth-seeking disciple, an understanding of the Bible can be made clear to you with the help of one of the most influential, in-depth and practical Bible scholars in modern history.

A man who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher, former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago and the author of more than 150 books. For over thirty years, millions have come to rely on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s “Be” Commentary series. Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary and insights on Scripture have helped readers understand and apply God’s Word with the goal of life transformation. Dubbed by many as the “pastor’s pastor,” Dr. Wiersbe skillfully weaves Scripture with historical explanations and thought-provoking questions, communicating the Word in such a way that the masses grasp its relevance for today.

Easily accessible for both pastors and lay people alike, Wiersbe’s profound study guides can be used in personal Bible study or with a group. David C Cook’s third installment of eight revised “BE” series volumes each feature updated content for today’s readers, a new introduction by Ken Baugh and new study questions for each chapter. The 2009 expanded Bible commentaries will include the following studies:

· Be Diligent (A Study of Matthew) encourages us to follow Christ’s example and actively serve others and God. (January 2010)

· Be Wise (A Study of 1 Corinthians) explores 1 Corinthians, Paul’s practical guide to seeking Godly wisdom. (March 2010)

· Be Authentic (A Study of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph) shares how we can pursue authentic relationships with others and God. (January 2010)

· Be Basic (A Study of Genesis) gives fundamental truths from the book of Genesis on relationships, faith, sin and spiritual fulfillment. (January 2010)

· Be Obedient (A Study of Abraham) explores the remarkable life of Abraham and shows how we too can be obedient through faith. (January 2010)

· Be Strong (A Study of Joshua) shares the need for strong believers of purpose, while encouraging us to lead victorious lives. (March 2010)

· Be Decisive (A Study of Jeremiah) powerful insights for making the decisive, powerful choice to live by God’s absolute truth and values. (March 2010)

· Be Encouraged (A Study of 2 Corinthians) is a lively commentary that will help you be encouraged no matter what challenges come your way. (March 2010)

Filed Under: Christian Books, Reviews

February 10, 2010 By Michelle Pendergrass 1 Comment

This week’s featured CFBA book is Hunter’s Moon by Don Hoesel.

Every family has secrets. Few will go as far as the Baxters to keep them. Bestselling novelist CJ Baxter has made a career out of writing hard-hitting stories ripped from his own life. Still there’s one story from his past he’s never told. One secret that’s remained buried for decades. Now, seventeen years after swearing he’d never return, CJ is headed back to Adelia, NY. His life in Tennessee has fallen to pieces, his grandfather is dying, and CJ can no longer run from the past. With Graham Baxter, CJ’s brother, running for Senate, a black sheep digging up old family secrets is the last thing the family and campaign can afford. CJ soon discovers that blood may be thicker than water, but it’s no match for power and money. There are wounds even time cannot heal.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hunter’s Moon, go here.

Filed Under: CFBA, Christian Books

February 2, 2010 By Michelle Pendergrass 1 Comment

This week CFBA’s featured Book is Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand.

And today–you get a treat. A rare review!

I’m not fond of most Christian fiction on the market (how many times have I said that?) So, there were a couple factors leading to my decision to read and review Beguiled.

First, back in the day when the CFBA was first formed, Deeanne’s book A Bride Most Begrudging was featured. Historical romance. Not my type of book. I read it, though, and found Deanne’s style of storytelling quite enjoyable. And I liked the book. (Seriously, I was amazed I liked something in a genre completely opposite of what I’d normally read.)

Second, Mark is a friend of mine and I know his writing is nothing short of stellar. Mark was Relief Journal’s first fiction editor. He was published in the first Midnight Diner.

Third, Dave Long is their editor. I’ve sang the praises of books he’s edited in the past.

When I heard Deeanne and Mark were collaborating, I honestly looked forward to reading the finished product.

Beguiled is a sassy, flirty, sexy romantic suspense that is not cliché, eye-rolling, or nauseous. It might get off to a bit of a slow start, which isn’t a bad thing, but it picks up pace rather nicely. Beguiled is very well balanced. Just enough fluffy-girly stuff (overdo that and I’m putting the book down) and just enough creepy, menacing, dark alley, bad guy smoking a cigar stuff. Well, maybe I could have stood more dark story aspect, but there wasn’t a lack of it.

Things I didn’t like? Maybe the main character’s breath caught one to many times. Maybe there was a red herring that was pretty obvious.

The story was absolutely unique. I loved the setting–Charleston. I loved that as a reader, I felt like I was really in Charleston. The conflict–internal and external–in the story was well done. All in all, it was a very enjoyable read.

One of my favorite scenes:

Without giving the story away…two of the main characters had been separated for a time and not all was peachy-keen. There was a lot of tension built up between them. And I found this little gem:

Her earbuds were in, and she gave no sign of recognition. As they drew closer, he expected her to pass him by. At the last minute, she gave the leash a graceful tug, then circled to a halt in front of him.

“I’ve got have a mind to sic my dog on you–for old time’s sake,” she said.

“I’ve got half a mind to let you.”

She jutted out her bottom lip. He was tempted to snare it in his teeth.

Totally. Sexy.

My source tells me one of the authors picked that scene as favorite, also.

And here’s a cute YouTube video of Mark and Dee where Mark talks about his dress for RWA…

Filed Under: CFBA, Christian Books, Reviews

December 10, 2009 By Michelle Pendergrass 1 Comment

This week’s featured CFBA book is Whirlwind by Robert Liparulo.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Whirlwind, go here.

Filed Under: books, CFBA, Christian Books

November 2, 2009 By Michelle Pendergrass 1 Comment

The CFBA featured book this week is A Slow Burn by Mary DeMuth.

This is the second book in the Defiance, Texas trilogy.

This suspenseful novel is about courageous love, the burden of regret, and bonds that never break. It is about the beauty and the pain of telling the truth. Most of all, it is about the power of forgiveness and what remains when shame no longer holds us captive.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Slow Burn, go HERE

Filed Under: CFBA, Christian Books

October 14, 2009 By Michelle Pendergrass Leave a Comment

David C. Cook has been rocking the Christian publishing world lately as far as I’m concerned. Of the last handful of Christian book reviews I’ve done, David C. Cook has dominated. The Blue Umbrella, Praying In Color, Wounded, Zora and Nicky, Making Crosses (reviews coming soon for these two.) I’m really enjoying what I’ve been reading.

Fresh life is a 20 minute a day study.

Awesome!

What I really loved was that the Scripture was right in the text of the study. No chance for distractions by going back and forth from workbook to Bible. (And I do get distracted like that.)

I loved the notes in the margins and sometimes wished the entire study could be just the margin notes. But y’know, I’m strange like that.

I read through Live Relationally: Lessons from the Women of Genesis. Sometimes it seemed a little simplistic. More “milk” less “meat” if y’know what I mean. Not that there aren’t women who need milk mind you. That’s probably why I enjoyed the margin notes so well. More to chew on.

I will probably read through Live Deeply: A Study in the Parables of Jesus as well. These are the two sent to me to review. There are two others in the series. Live Fearlessly: A Study in the Book of Joshua and Live Intimately: A Study from the Upper Room.

What’s also nice about this series is you can definitely study alone but also with a group. I find it irritating when companies (Lifeway) have these great studies that an individual can’t afford to do because they’d have to buy a video curriculum that’s hundreds of dollars plus the participant’s guide. Not very conducive to getting the Word of God out there, as far as I’m concerned. I realize the benefit of group study, but sometimes that’s not possible. Like when you move and don’t have a church. Or when you just want some quiet time with God. So kudos to David C. Cook for giving us a Bible study that works with the time constraints of so many women as well as a budget conscious series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Christian Books

October 13, 2009 By Michelle Pendergrass Leave a Comment

The Blue Umbrella by Mike Mason is a literary fantasy, the first in a series written for 9-12 year olds.

I agreed to review this because I thought it would be a great book for our homeschool reading–we’re not finished with it yet and I promised I’d have something up by October 13.

The book is being talked about as a sci-fi story for everyone, not just children, in the vein of Madeleine L’Engle, Lewis, and Tolkein. How could I not agree to review it??

You’ll be hearing from me soon on this one. And maybe I can teach that son of mine to write reviews?

Here’s the first chapter if you’re interested.

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Christian Books

August 27, 2009 By Michelle Pendergrass 1 Comment

From the book jacket: Authors Thom S. Rainer and Art Rainer interviewed a cross-section of 1,077 individuals to confirm that most people feel their lives are overly stressful and misguided, not allowing enough time for what really counts. As they share these highly relatable stories, the Rainers chart a simple path from joyless to joyful.Breaking life down into four key sections (Time, Relationships, God, Money), the authors show how four key goals (Clarity, Movement, Alignment, Focus) can begin to foster a life that is more spiritual and less busy, a life rich in experiences with family and friends rather than double-booked to-do lists and late nights at the office. The book even lays out an easy-to-follow action plan that will move readers assuredly toward the simple life in just thirty days.

My review: Honestly, I think this book is for a lot of people out there. People who are feelings stressed, overworked, under appreciated. People who feel their lives are chaos. People who feel they need to get things under control.

That’s not me because my word for the past 5 years or so has been “Simplify” (See the sign in my old office?)

So really, reading this particular book was like me trying to find a frugal tip that I haven’t yet implemented in my life. Which I suppose is good, it means I’m doing something right, right? I can tell by my low stress level that I’m not who I was when I set out on this journey to simplify. I have time now for what I’m called to, time for what I love, and I don’t feel pulled in a zillion different directions.

Simple Life is an easy read, gives great advice, and is worth picking up if you need to change your life–because no one else is going to do that for you.

Filed Under: Christian Books, Reviews

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