Does not compare with actually reading Chesterton's work

Thomas Nelson Inc, Oct 30, 2012 - 384 pages

A year ago I read Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton (and very much enjoyed it) so I kind of thought I knew what to expect from this book. But I’ll be honest, its not what I expected. The author does know a lot about G.K. Chesterton and his writings but some times after reading the verse of the day I felt that how the author chose to emphasize the point of the verse using Chesterton’s writings had little correlation or was simply to convoluted. Many of the bible verses that were chosen were one-liners and so were missing the grand context in the bible; on another note I would like to add it also isn’t that hard to attach Chesterton’s writings (or anyone’s writings for that matter) to verses that have such general themes like ‘justice, mercy, grace, etc.’

Upon reading this book I have 3 recommendations to anyone thinking about buying this book.

1. If you love G.K. Chesterton’s writings: Get one of his books, don't just get a book with snippets, with some days mere sentences of his writings – this might prove to be a disappointment 

2. If you want to buy it as a devotional: There are plenty of awesome devotionals out there, this is not one of them. Yes there were many interesting things in this book but all of which can be found by reading Chesterton’s work. I never put it down feeling as if I got a blessing from it.

3. Want a deeper understanding: Whether it’s of Chesterton’s work or of God I suggest again either get one of Chesterton’s books and study that, it would end up being much more meaningful and interesting. Or open the bible and read/ study that for yourself. OR you may do both, use Chesterton’s writings with the bible if you wish, any of these options I believe would be of more use.
I want to thank Booksneeze for providing this book to me for an honest review, as you can tell the review was not required to be positive but of my own honest opinion. 

Walking on Water When You Feel Like You're Drowning: Finding Hope in Life's Darkest Moments

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Nov 1, 2012 - 158 pages

What a beautiful book. Seriously. I love reading all sorts of Christian books but this one just had a different feel. The authors open up their personal lives allowing the reader in and making themselves vulnerable by sharing such personal experiences. I write this review from the perspective that I am constantly under stress, anxiety, and am always overwhelmed. I do try to find hope through my relationship with God but as the authors point out in the book through their experiences, God does not always bring about healing using our timeline. This book was a breath of fresh air, gave me hope, encouragement, but most of all I walked away with peace after reading it (and every single time I put it down).

I love the bible and so was overjoyed with the amount of passages I saw in this book. I believe our primary manual for anything should be the bible; therefore, seeing so many passages in this book reassured me that what the authors had to say did not come from their own personal philosophies but came from the word of God.

I would seriously recommend this book not only to those struggling with depression or OCD (two subjects they cover wonderfully), but anyone in need of hope or encouragement whether it be in school, personal lives, etc., get the book, you wont be disappointed.

I actually got this book thinking I could use some pointers to help a loved one suffering major depression. I was expecting I’d get something out of it to help my loved one (and I did) but I was not expecting a blessing for myself as well. Highly recommended. I also want to thank Tyndale publishing for having provided me a copy of this book so that I may be blessed by it in return for an honest review.