Max on Life- Max Lucado

We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.  In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.  Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions-parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships-as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?  A special addendum includes Max's advice on writing and publishing.  Including topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight, Max on Life will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as well as new and mature believers.

            On the whole Max’s answers to the question covered seem logical and are clearly stated.  I am sure this is a resource I will refer to time and again over the course of my life.  I would recommend this book to everyone, and would hope that everyone read this book at some point in their life.  This would also be a great book to buy any new believer in Christ, to provide a framework of living a Christian life.

No Place like Holmes

When Griffin Sharpe is sent to stay with his uncle at 221 Baker Street, he is convinced he is going to stay with the famous Sherlock Holmes, which is perfect since he plans to use his ability to notice every tiny detail to become a detective one day. When he arrives at the home, he is saddened to learn that his uncle is really a cooky man with a strange knack for inventing astounding devices who lives in 221A while Sherlock Holmes lives in 221B. When Holmes is not available to take a case, Griffin and his uncle must step in and take the case, which takes them on an exciting journey for truth: both about the crime and their family. Will the two unlikely heroes save the day?

            This is a great book for young readers.  It is quick paced and filled with action and adventure.  At times Griffin seems a little whiney but he is a likeable character and eventually hero.  On the other hand, his uncle, who is rough around the ends and grumpy in the beginning, really turns into a soft hearted and likeable hero as well.  The underlying messages of the book also prove to be useful for young readers who are still developing their own identities. This will truly be a great fantasy series for kids to dive into and anticipate the next installments.