The Greatest Music Stories Never Told - Rick Beyer

100 tales from music history to astonish, bewilder, and stupefy. This book is an interesting look at 100 songs that cover a very wide range of history from 1400 BC to 2007 AD. Most of the stories behind the songs are unfamiliar to even the most knowledgeable researcher. The book is full of trivia such as what member of the rock group Queen has a PhD in astrophysics? and who wrote the song "Happy Birthday to You?" Each story is told in two pages and is an easy read.  I would recommend this book to any music history buff that wants to know the stories behind many popular songs.
The author is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, who's work has been seen on The History Channel and A&E networks. For videos and songs related to the book visit www.greateststoriesnevertold.com/musiclinks.
The back cover states "They're so good, you can't read just one!" And once you start reading this book, it will be hard to put down.

The Little Red Book of Wisdom - Mark DeMoss

This is a easily readable book for just about every age, from those just starting out on their own in life to those who are experienced. You are never too old or young to gain wisdom, and practical wisdom for daily living is what this book is about. You will find chapters on The Amazing Power of Understatement, God Owns it all, and Shut Up and listen. All in all, 23 chapters on gaining wisdom and the value of listening.
The most important chapter is the last one entitled, " The Wisest Decision Anyone Can Make " Answering the "And then what?" question, based on Mark 8:36. In this chapter, he invites the reader to make a decision to follow Jesus Christ and to write to him about it. This is the type of chapter that should be included in many books of this type, but sometimes is not. It is the central theme from which everything else is taken from.
The author is president of The DeMoss Group, a public relations firm he founded to serve Christian organizations. He speaks of personal experiences dealing with death of loved ones, and business dealings, both good and bad. The author is also quick to thank his wife and children as inspirations to his gaining wisdom. I enjoyed his practical writing style and to the point chapters that anyone will be able to relate to in any profession or age. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain more wisdom in their life.

Jolt - Phil Cooke

Get the jump on a world that's constantly changing. Sometimes all we need is a jolt or a wake up call. This book is divided into 25 jolts and quotes from famous and not so famous people on each subject. The author includes scripture to support his ideas, but is not "preachy" in his approach. One of the chapters is titled Discover the Power of Faith. I would consider it a Biblical approach to getting off your duff and making the changes necessary for success. Some of the 25 jolts included are chapters titled a Change of Habit, Personal Growth is not an Option, and Eliminate Destructive Distractions. Some of the ideas presented can be found in other sources, but it is helpful to have a book inspire someone to change their life for the better.
The author describes a jolt is this manner "to disturb, to shock, to interfere with abruptly, to shake things up."
And that is exactly what we need sometimes. The author is a rarity, a working producer in Hollywood with a PhD. His company produces media programming all over the world, and has many interesting and dangerous stories to tell. He's the kind of guy that you may want to have lunch with just to hear what he has to say. Find out more at PhilCooke.com.

The Gospel for Real Life - Jerry Bridges

I must first admit that I have enjoyed all of Jerry Bridge's books in the past, reading The Pursuit of Holiness many years ago, and he is on my favorite authors list. His writing is always clear, to the point, and easy to follow. Jerry is currently a part of the Navigator Collegiate Ministry Group and staff development.
In the Gospel For Real Life, he points out how the Gospel relates to our everyday living in this world, and how we can make a difference. In the Preface, he encourages us to "preach the gospel to ourselves every day." He intends this book to be "Gospel 101" not just for new believers, but for Christians at any stage of maturity.
There is a guide for individual or group study of 8 units covering 2 chapters each, with questions that relate to subjects in each chapter. This book comes recommended by such authors as Chuck Colson and R.C. Sproul. The back cover asks the question "What difference does the Gospel make?" Jerry Bridges answers that it makes a tremendous amount of difference and how you and I can be a part of it. I would recommend this book to both new believers and anyone else who would like to learn how to relate the Gospel to our everyday life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Max on Life - Max Lucado

Answers and insights to your most important questions. This book consists of 172 questions answered bu author Max Lucado. Some material appears in prevoius books and articles. The questions are catagorized in chapters titled hope, hurt, help, home, and hereafter. The answers are honest, Bible-based, and come from many years of experience and lots of thought. They all sound like a seasoned pastor that has actually had these questions asked in email, letter, or in person and contain some very good advice to those that are struggling with these issues. Some, however, may need more than just a one page answer, and my hope is that those that need further advice would seek it out. They may need more that just reading the answer in a book to get them through a difficult time. However, good, solid, Bible-based advice is surely needed at this time and welcome. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for answers to questions they, friends or family members may have.
Fans of Max Lucado may have heard some of this advice before, but others may be reading it for the first time. Either way, it's worth the read.