Book Review - Damaged: A Violated Trust

I was reminded that I am so glad my days as a teenager is over while reading Damaged: A Violated Trust by Melody Carlson.  This book has the typical high school drama that you might expect.  You have the normal divide of popular kids v.s. the not-so cool kids.   Hayley comes to a new school to live with her dad.  She is estranged from her mom because of her ultra-conservative views.  Moving with dad seemed like the best choice for more freedom.

Haley is the artistic type so becoming a part of the jock crowd was never part of her plan.  By chance she ends up sitting with the popular kids and starts to crush on Harris, the star football player.  Harris is obviously popular, dates the perfect girl and has the perfect life.  Haley has zero chance with him or so she thinks.  The king and queen of the school break up and Harris starts paying attention to Haley.

Haley starts to live her dream life when her and Harris become a couple.   Things are perfect despite the haters and the warnings about Harris.   The warnings must be coming from those that are jealous..right?!  Eventually Haley's dream becomes a nightmare when Harris does the unthinkable.

There are no surprises with this book.  It seems like a movie I saw on Lifetime.  Despite being able to predict what was going to happen I recommend sharing this book with a teenage girl.  It will help start a necessary discussion about date rape.   

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Rating: 3 stars

Book Review - One Minute Prayers for Young Men

One Minute Prayers for Young Men by Clayton King is the right mix of practical advice, guy stuff and Godly wisdom.  Even though this book is for teen guys and up, I found many devotions were just right for me.  There were multiple devotions on prayer that were a blessing to me.  Here’s a recap of some of the devotionals in the book.

Made for Glory

Guy stuff -> What do players do when they win?  They celebrate their victory with their hands raised.

Wisdom -> Raise your hands in worship to God to celebrate His accomplishments.

Close the Gaps

Guy stuff -> The job of the defender on the football team is to close the gaps to stop the offense.  Gaps in the line can cause you to lose.

Wisdom -> Gaps in your spiritual life can lead to problems.  Close the gaps with prayer and other spiritual disciplines to protect your heart and mind.

Made to Provide

Guy Stuff -> The author was taught by his dad that he is suppose to provide for his family.  Pride in your work is important even if you are just sweeping floors.

Wisdom -> There are lessons to be learned while you do things you do not like.   Pay attention and do the work anyway so you do not miss the lessons

Other favorite gems of wisdom:

• “Remember God’s goodness. List it. Tweet it. Post it.”
• “Real fun is honoring to God and free of regret.”
• “Being dependable leads to great opportunities.”
• “To be a Christian, get over your problem with authority.  God is your authority.  When I disobey, I will always pay.”

Each devotion ends in a prayer to help you apply the wisdom to your own life.  This book can be used by yourself, for parent and son discussions or in a small group of guys.

I have one small issue.  I remember one devotion that talked about the Holy Spirit as a Person in the Trinity.  My belief is in Jesus as God manifested as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and not as the Holy Spirit as the third Person in the Trinity.   I am not here to debate the issue.  I only bring it up for those who believe as I do.  I wanted you to know just in case you gave it your son without reading it yourself.  Even with this difference in opinion, I do recommend this book and I would use it with my own son.

Rating: 4 stars

This book will be available in August 2013.

This free eBook was provided to me by Netgalley.